CNN reported on the latest [apparently, not the latest: see comment below] atrocious video game that allows the player to rape a woman over and over again while choosing a variety of methods to initiate the assault.

That’s right.

RapeLay, a video game that has gone viral since people, especially women’s rights groups, have reacted in outrage (and rightly so). Rapelay, a video game that, as CNN reports, makes Grand Theft Auto (the game that stirred up a firestorm of criticism upon its release in 2008) appear as harmless and “clean as Pac-man.”

Given the statistics on domestic violence, assault, and rape, it is difficult for me to conceptualize this video game as a “game.” Our media landscape is (and has been) populated with endless streams of images and messages glorifying, eroticizing and diminishing the serious nature of violence against women, an issue that some have called a hidden pandemic and others have labeled an epidemic of global proportions.

Viewing repetitive and stable images decreases our sensitivity to an issue, it normalizes the images and themes contained therein. Violence against women is an issue that we, as a culture, are already desensitized to on many levels. The systematic objectification and dismemberment of women (see Jean Kilbourne‘s film Killing Us Softly 3 and read her book, Can’t Buy My Love: How Advertising Changes the Way We Think and Feel) is rampant in and a staple fixture of our mediated culture, reinforcing images of aggression and violence against women as normative and unremarkable.

“Games” that continue to use images of gratuitous and unapologetic violence as a source of “entertainment” frighten me because the inevitable results are horrifying. We know that dating violence among young people is increasing. We also know that the level of mediation and amount of time young people are exposed to messages constructed by the mass media, including video game makers, is increasing (there are even treatment programs for young people addicted to video games). Taking these variables into consideration and recognizing the correlation between the level of mediation and one’s attitudes, expectations and behaviors creates a dismal picture for girls and women (and this isn’t even taking the construction of gender and the corresponding expectation of violent masculinity and submissive femininity as normative into consideration).

Given that, I think it is safe to say that rape, virtual or real, is never simply a game, at least not for the victims of that violence, virtual or real, and its social, physical and emotional consequences. In the end, we’re all negatively effected by a culture that makes violence against *anyone* a game.

NOTE: Since posting this, Rachel O and Justine have directed me to this article that reports that this game came out in 2006 and that the Western media discovered it in 2009. The article goes on to state that the makers of the game did not break any rules in Japan but decided to clean up their act after an emergency meeting was held by Japan’s Ethics Organization of Computer Software. The article claims that this game is outdated and CNN’s motives for reporting on this game are linked to another issue (see full article). Whether or not the game is outdated or out of print, the fact that this game was created, was (and possibly is being) played is disturbing, not to mention that this game was/is one of many in Japan (and in other countries) that continues to dismiss and glorify violence against women. Cleaning up potential game titles and renaming the “rape genre” doesn’t convince me that this game is not worth discussing. Unlike CNN”s article I don’t place blame and the creators of their video games. I am analyzing the issue of violent entertainment and the portrayal of women in video games and this video game is simply the platform. For an excellent critique of hypermasculine and hyperviolent video games, see Anita Sarkeesian’s remix “Too Many Dicks.”

For a disturbing commentary (rape is a sexual fantasy and should be OK? Isn’t it just as violent as the other violence she discusses?), see below (thanks, Krista):

It is so sad that we have become so desensitized morally as a society that we think it is ok to make our sickest fantasies and dysfunctional behaviors justifiable by indulging in them virtually! Hven’t we not learned anything from the statistical data and headlines. Eventually these virtual behaviors come off of the screen. Worse yet, what start out to be innocent youth who are introduced to these games as JUST GAMES go on to act them out as JUST GAMES ! But my bigger question is who lets these and other games like it get published and why aren’t the same congressmen who target prochoicers and LGTBs go after these degenerators of societyHow do you think some of these women end up with unwanted pregnancies-husband, boyfriends and strangers who forced them down. The LGTB community as a whole has a high incidence rate of sexual abuse and rape-brutal rape tha often involves more than one attacker in a scenario that they often claim started out as just playing with or messing with the person! Why can’t we come up with more games that glorify the heroes not the villains?

I’m nauseous. Angry. Saddened. and almost driven to violence myself after reading this. My first feelings are “where is the asshole who created this game, so I can punch him?” But the worst emotion is the fear. The fear women go through everyday. The fear that is so normalized. That it is “normal” to be fearful when walking alone somewhere. Games like these are further de-humanization of woman. To me, it is a re-raping for any woman who has survived a rape or any act of violence. Another way of our culture to say “we don’t care, your bodies don’t matter, and to further our lack of human decency we will make a game out of it.”

This is truly horrifying. For people to actively seek out, download, and then play over and over again a game which is solely based on brutality, physical and emotional violence, and dehumanization not only disturbs me beyond belief, but also frightens me about our future. I do not want to imagine what will evolve from this.

This article made me think about Robert Jensen’s quote about the current state of porn culture: that this is what the end of the world looks like, a place devoid of human empathy.

I have never understood the argument that people make claiming that the effects of watching violence in movies or video games have no effect on the increasing rate of domestic violence and abuse against women. The images have become so normative that it is more comfortable (and completely untrue) to say that people are perceptive enough to know when it is just a game. This is incredibly alarming to me as well because it diminishes and inevitably discredits the work that movements do to raise awareness about abuse and violence against women. How can we work towards eradicating violence when we are constantly perceiving these images as normal?

thanks for this info. since the un is looking at categorizing rape as a weapon of warfare with what is happening to women in the congo, this is no small thing, another ‘game’ that is preparing young people today to be the military of tomorrow, in whatever way the government, aka, the corporatocracy, should need and desire.

keep your kids away from commercial television and video games. get your kids outside as much as possible and connect them to the peace, beauty, and harmony that comes from nature. let them break a leg while rock climbing or climbing a tree, that is a wound that will heal more deeply and fully than the ones that come from the desensitizing media that permeates pop culture!

are you kidding?!?!?!?
this is the most repulsive concept i have heard of in as long as i can remember.
sad that someone could possibly create a “game” like this. even sadder that people buy it. :(…
what does this say about our society!??!?!

As a woman, I am simply appalled, but as a survivor of rape and sexual abuse, this makes me sick. It woke up the sense of hollowness and raw anger that I once felt in the immediacy the assaults. It acts as a trigger, once again minimizing the trauma of rape and one more time ringing that vile bell to alert the presses that we women are just objects. There’s nothing fun about rape and certainly nothing entertaining, at least not from a survivor’s perspective. If there’s one thing I would like banned it would be this, but there is that whole freedom-of-speech thing in the Constitution! Thanks for posting this!!!

This is just so sad and sickening!! And I pray for that young miss in the video because if she were raped or know anyone who was raped she wouldn’t readily view it as a “game/fantasy”!! Clearly too young and naive!! One of the problems with the U.S. and other “developed” societies, is that you’ll take this “freedom” thing too far!! How and when should it ever be right to create a “game” about rape? This “game” only serve to demoralize, demean, and rob us women of our dignity!! Only sick disturbed people think of rape game as “fantasy”!! Where did the morals of the society go? This relates not only to the creator, producers and distributors, but the culture of violence against women that permeates the entertainment industry!! Some things should not be labeled as entertainment period!!

She’s wrong. Children who play violent video games DO display violent behavior. On top of that, killing people in videos games would not be a crime in the situation in which they are killed (people die in wars and in video games it’s the middle of a battle). Rape will always–and should always–be a crime.

I think that this is true and it is horrible of what is continuously going on througout society.This is just so sad and sickening!! People to actively seek out, download, and then play over and over again a game which is solely based on brutality, physical and emotional violence, and dehumanization not only disturbs me beyond belief, but also frightens me about our future. I do not want to imagine what will evolve from this.

Woah! I would have never imagened that a game solely on raping women would ever be created. Yes, there are violent video games such as GrandTheftAuto, Killzone, CallOfDuty, etc but a game to rape women is pushing it. Rape cases should not be taken lighly in any way. The victim, whether male or emale, goes through emotioal trauma, and physical pain. No women should be the victims of rape; it destroys the psyche of the indidual. Some might laugh at the game as being another “violence against women” but the reality is that there are women out there that have been victims of such action and this game is just offensive in every angle.

As a victim of rape and having a grandmother who was raped I don´t find this fucking game funny at all. It is repulsive to witness the degradation of our society and the whole concept as disgusting as rape shouldn´t even be glorified as it is through this game. Whoever made this this video game all i have to say is: Karma is a bitch, and be prepared to bite you right in the ass.

Holy shit I had no idea that a game like this even existed. How could i not have known? The commentary made by that ridiculously deluded girl completely sickened me. THe extreme ignorance of some people will never cease to amaze me.

When I read the first line of this article I was in such disbelief that I re-read it just to make sure I got it right. I am in total disbelief. This is so wrong in so many ways, it is disgusting and cruel. It is a horrible thing for rape victims to see. It would be like making a video game with concentration camps where people can hurt others just for the “fantasy” of the pain. How would that make Holocaust survivors and their families feel? It is scary to think someone would think this is alright, that it is just a “fantasy”. Obviously, somebody needs to get some help if he or she thinks it is okay to make a video game where you rape people for fun.

I wish there was a dislike button I can press for that youtube video. Just because there are other video games with violence it does not justify these new videos of violence against women. I have four little brothers and let me tell you, these violent video games and movies really do have an impact on them. I see them act more aggressive and violent with their whether they are playing with their toys or friends, after watching or playing these videos. I really do not know why a game like this exists it pains me. This is not “freedom” of whatsoever. This makes us women bound onto stereotypes and pain that are formed from these video games. These games are cruel and disgusting. People should figure out a way to satisfy their “fantasies” in a more moral manner than this.

I have never been a fan of video games but today my hatred for them is to a whole new extent. How could someone sit down and create a concept of a “rape game” for kids to play. How can someone come up with this concept and not be embarrassed to say it out loud. It is scary to me that someone could think it is okay to make a game where people rape women and think that there will be no consequences. All it takes is for one disturbed person to play this game and think that since he can play it in the virtual world he has a right to do it in the real world. This makes me scared and angry that whoever created this has no repercussions and dumb people out there are actually paying to buy this game and play it!

So, def did not even think this existed until I read the article for Discussion 18. And wow, what a joke and I’m completely disgusted. How can someone have the nerve to create a game for young males which consists of raping a woman. Like you said, if this is used as “entertainment”… i don’t know what the future of entertainment will turn out to be. All sexualized images of women will become normative for the public, and this isn’t okay. Great post, helped with my discussion and I learned something new.

All i can say is, that the people who created this is sick in their heads and obviously needs compassion. We can only hate so much and be angry. As i learned in my woman’s class, angry is a good powerful catalyst that will boost motivation to act upon such gruesome actions.

First of all, a game like this should have never been made in the first place, but it was and it reflects the disturbing flaws of society today, where rape is normalized and seen as a “game.” Second, the fact that the girl in the video justifies the game and states that “it’s not that bad” and that it is less important than murder is ridiculous. She obviously has not been or known a victim of sexual assault. It is just as bad if not worse than being a murder victim.

I am utterly shocked and disturbed. I don’t care where it came from, how could any country allow something like this to be ok?? It’s repulsive and insensitive to anyone who has ever experienced ANY type of abuse. The girl in the 2 minute video seems like she is just young and ignorant and doesn’t understand much about what she is talking about. She needs to be more educated before she puts in her “2 cents” on a matter such as this. And to agree with Nahida, she is wrong. Video games such as this DO affect the people who play them, and they need to be banned. The sickos who created this should be in jail.

This is the very disgusting and sickening to see that what is a crime is glorified as a game and as entertainment. There is no way of justifying this kind of creation; also, it is detrimental because it treats women and rape victims not as human but as objects to play with. How disturbing!

I am disgusted. This is horrible. No wonder rape is occurring at escalating rates. It seems as though society is finding rape to be something that is ok and normal, this game should have never even allowed to be made or produced. It is stupidity like this that is letting men think rape is perfectly fine, and making sure that society sees women as objects, that are only good for sex and should therefore be treated as such, even forcibly.

What a horrible game! I understand that its just a game but the message they’re sending to the people that play this is that its okay to rape women. But in reality its NOT okay to do that! People come up with these games not realizing how rude they’re being to victims of rape. Rape and sexual assault is not a funny crime. It should be taken more seriously and definitely not be put in a video game where the player can repeatedly do this.

Games like these are encouraging young boys that it is perfectly okay to harm women. I believe this is no fantasy whatsoever. Young boys who play games with violence do show signs of violence in their everyday lives. Playing games where they rape women will have them think that it is okay to do it, but it is unquestionably not. Having games where the task is to rape women is completely sexist and it honestly hurts as a woman. What makes us less than men? Why are we being displayed as the ones being hurt even in video games? Rape is definitely not a game. The person that is raped is completely altered after this incident. It traumatizes a person for life. There are helpless women that are being raped everyday, it is no joke. And what kind of sick person would spend time creating a game where children had the opportunity to rape women? This just shows how messed up our society is when people think that a huge crime, such as rape is viewed as a game.

I’m not going to lie, in many instances I defend violent games not because I like them or respect them but because I think at times there is an oversensitivity in our society when it comes to things like that. Additionally, I understand that rape is about control and not about sex so I have a hard time believing most games really do cause people to go out and rape.

This “game” though, takes things to a different level and it concerns me greatly. My friend used to play Grand Theft Auto all the time and had to stop when she realized she had become entirely desensitized to car-based violence and often had to fight the urge to run others off the road like in the game. I’m afraid boys or men may have a similar reaction as a result of playing this game too much. It might be “interesting” or “exciting” for some people to see sexual violence in a game occasionally. It’s strange and it’s not right but the taboo is alluring so I suppose I understand it. When somebody is repeatedly exposed to sexual violence over and over it won’t be long before control doesn’t even play a part in rape anymore and they simply act out something from habit or reflex.

There is no reason for any game to be created based so strongly around sexual violence and rape and it’s appalling that there are enough people who demonstrate interest in this game that it was able to go viral.

This situation is so upsetting, and there are so many things wrong with it. it’s compelling to explain why this is not okay. Rape is literally treated as a game by the video game industry. Our media do promote rape, I can totally understand that can happen. Yes it promotes sex, and honestly some parents do care and others don’t. The video game industry is powerful because whatever is portray on television kids will sometimes watch it , and they adopt to whatever they see. Kids understand its just a game, but any time a kid does something that they saw in a video game they will do and it does happen very often.

More and more in society, we are becoming desensitized to issues such as violence and rape. Things such as the brutality of warfare barely make a kid today flinch, because it is featured so much in the media and video games. I know for a fact that sometimes when I see images of violence and brutality I have to actually tell myself how terrible it is, because of how much I am used to seeing the types of things. And to take an issue of rape, an issue that is already struggling to find the legitimacy for people to take it as gravely and serious as it is, is incredibly sad and scary. There are already so many people out there desensitized to the idea of rape and what actually constitutes as rape, and something, such as this video game, only furthers society’s ignorance and ambivalence to an issue that everybody should care about.

I think people are getting a wrong concept from the society. people started to not care about the messages from the game. the game is send ing us a message of crime and porn. When people keep playing this game, they may get confused. eventually, they will do what they did in the game and do it in the realty. they cannot separate the game and the reality. it is terrible.

The fact that anyone could extract some sort of sick pleasure from a game like this disgusts me. Not only does that person need help but I think we as society need to look at what we are saying to our children when we use rape in the context of a game. Rape is not a game and should never be put into one. I hope that this sort of game is banned from the market because it is sick and highly immoral. People who play games like this are at an increased risk to just look at life like a game and think that raping women in real life would be fun too. This game and others like it must be stopped.

The commentary in the video is really disturbing to me. “It’s really not that bad, the object of the game is pretty bad, but when you actually play it is not that bad” and then she talks about how in video games you can kill people and little kids “aren’t going out killing people after playing Grand Theft Auto”. This is a game entirely centered around raping wimmin. “Don’t think I’m condoning rape”–by saying this game is okay, that’s exactly what you’re doing. A video game where the main goal is to rape wimmin in different ways does two things: puts the idea in people’s heads that have never thought of it before and glorifies it, or allows people to live out the sick fantasies in their mind and maybe even encourages them to do it in reality. This is all just really disgusting, I can’t believe I’ve never heard about it.

Its video games like these that promote boys to go out and be rude and miss-treat girls now a days. Most people say that videos games dont really affect boys but they DO. Many boys imitate what they see and go out and do it. This just promotes to boys that as they get older they have the right to treat women however they want. Another thing is that what kind of media attention would this type of game get if it were to be the other way around? Would people be just as outraged as well or would people see it funny and not really care about it?

Rape as a game it probably stupidity at its finest. This game that is supposedly being played should be looked down upon and criticized… Why would you consider it as a game? A ‘game’ is something you compete for and something fun to do. Why is the media promoting rape as game? this is disgusting

Words cannot even describe the way I feel about the fact that there is a video game out there about raping a woman. I cant even bring myself to say it out loud, it truly disgust me. And what what really disgust me even more is the people who get pleasure out of playing these video games. It truly is sending out the wrong message and ideas. The message of this game says “Hey beating and raping a woman is ok!” and when caught and if this person was ever put on trial they could say they were just “brainwashed” by the game and that they didn’t know what they were really doing. Why would we even make a game so we could give ideas to the younger generation? It’s sicking and shouldn’t be allowed.

Wow, I do not understand how people would go out of there way to make a video game about rape. They do not take the time to wonder what women who have been raped might think about it. And it is sick for someone to play the game on a daily basis. Even though they are doing it virtually, it may encourage someone to do it realistically, just how they say games like grand theft auto influences kids to shoot up schools and steal cars.

It should be noted that this game brought the issue iof lack of sensoring in the video game indunstry.ALso the purchase and sell of this game is now ilegal. What I find horrifing is that the game was created in 2006 but didn’t recieve internattional attention till 2010

I am going to puke. I had no idea that a game like this even existed. It’s bad enough that one sleaze ball thought the “game” up. Let’s not forget to consider that there is an entire company and culture of depraved minds involved in the production, distribution, and sale of this horrific creation. We’ve heard the expression, ‘build it and they will come.’ However, there has to be someone who steps up in these sadistic situations and says NO! There must be a line drawn somewhere, where the holy buck cannot continually out weigh common decency. Is our society so far gone, numb to the prolific porn that permeates our every media outlet that we have become immune and blind to what has happened to our society?

And speaking of games, just this past December there was yet another fraternity, this time in Burlington, VT, that has been suspended and is under investigation over a survey question generated from within the fraternity, asking who would their fellow Sigma Phi Epsilon members like to rape. Aren’t fraternities supposed to exude moral character and responsibility? That is if you can get past the hazing rituals and the prevalence of gang rapes happening nationwide at frat parties – for which I might add; the cases are seldom, if ever, found in favor of the rape victim, (who has been completely denigrated). I keep hoping these issues will improve, but damned if I can see it happening! We need more men like Jackson Katz to educated and involved a greater population of men if we are ever going to beat this thing. The posts’ attached video is a perfect example of how brainwashed the youth of our nation have become. I believe it is mainly due to those who have been raised on electronics – call them video-eyed. Please don’t misunderstand; we have all been over-exposed to multimedia cultivation. However, in the last twenty years, more specifically the last 16 years, the world has become obsessed with computer technologies, and so many of our youth really don’t know a world without these instruments or the Internet.It’s all interconnected.

After talking to a Japanese friend, I found out that the game is(was) popular, being played by social outcasts and nerds in Japan. Some sociologists say that they are helping reduce “real” sex-crimes and sexual assaults because the games help satisfy sexual desire/fantasy of the players. However, I disagree with the sociologists’ claim, and I think the games will, rather, contribute to the violence they think are being prevented by the games. It is evident in violent crimes caused by violent video games and child pornography. When they first came out, it seemed harmless to play video games that kill people for scores and looked entertaining to watch child porn to merely satisfy sexual fantasy. Contrary to the belief, there are reported massacres influenced by violent video games and movies e.g.) at Virginia Tech and Columbine High School, and increasing child molestation abuse, and trafficking prompted by child porn. Thus, by letting people play such violent games against women it is only reasonable to believe that sexual assaults, sexual crimes against women will increase. The players will be desensitized to the violence and will no longer distinguish the line between fantasy and reality.

This is disgusting! Who in the right mind would even THINK that it is ok to create such a game where raping a women is seen in a positive way?! This whole idea plays the role of dehumanization. Not only that but it reinforces physical and emotional violence. The fact that people actually download and repeatedly play this game is unsettling. It would have never come to mind that there are such video games out there. There are no words to describe how unbelievable this is and how disturbing. Our society is beyond corrupt.

As I read this article all I had to say was “oh. Another idiot is making money on abusing women.” Who ever designed this game is seriously ill and should be placed in a psychiatric ward. Not only is it not right to rape women, but it’s even more wrong to create a video game that tells the person playing it, it is acceptable to go out and rape women. It’s games like these that causes some parents not to allow their children to play video games; some of them just send the wrong message. I do not understand what fun someone would get out of raping a woman over and over again. Regardless if someone rapes a woman in person or on a video game, either way it’s wrong and sends the wrong message. Who ever purchases this game is seriously ill as well. I am extremely disturbed by this video game. This game is not fun and is not an acceptable form of competition. This game should not be allowed to be on sale EVER.

I really don’t even want to believe that this video game based on raping women was actually made. Something as serious and traumatizing as rape has been made to seem as just a game. Tic Tac Toe is game, not rape. I find it very disturbing that there are people who came up with the idea of the game and that there were people who purchased the game and played it. I’m sure these people are mentally sick and don’t have healthy relationships with themselves or others. I don’t think rape should be used as a game idea and I also don’t agree with other violent video games either. The video of the young lady talking about how the game is “not that bad” really disturbed me. As being a woman and knowing that women are the majority or rape victims you would think she would be against the game completely. I was so shocked and upset to hear her say that the game isn’t that bad compared to games like Halo and Grand Theft Auto. The environment that we are in has gotten so bad that it has made people start to think that acts of physical and sexual abuse are OK. Video games that portray these types of violence are only reinforcing these acts. I think if people are going to play this game it will desensitize them from the reality of how really terribly of an act this is. -D.O.

Thank you for informing me that this country can get worse. What have we become as human beings, as mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, daughters and sons? Where is the innocence? If we continue to be so emotionally detached, where will we end up? What does our future hold? This is the most disgusting thing I’ve heard and for a child to broadcast herself while still trying to convince herself that she’s is o.k. with being raped virtually. I ask myself each time I see someone completely young and ignorant, where the heck are her parents? Do we care more about how our children are entertained or about the money we can make from the oil in another country? Do you care more about the safety of our children or who to blame for this catastrophic economic disaster? Do we care that our children are being raped in reality and in a fantasy world? What I do know is that I will continue to teach, discipline, and talk to my daughter about what’s right and wrong, what is real and what is just plain crazy?

Wow!!! What is this world going coming to? I didn’t know there were games that had men rapping women on video games, I knew there were lots violence in most games, but rape. It’s so disturbing. People wonder where violence, and any other crime that occurs come from, well it could come from these games and people don’t realize it, they say its harmful. When CNN said it was outdated, who care if it was outdated, it’s the fact that it was put out for kids to play. And seeing that video of that girl, it’s like wake up, it’s not that bad then it seems, come on seriously. It makes me so upset how people don’t realize what their doing and what society it becoming. Its funny how she said that she’s seen worse in America, what the heck, isn’t this bad. No woman deserves to be rape no matter what. It so sad to hear about this, it really upset me.

This definitely goes back to Jean Kilbourne’s video Killing Us Softly. Games and media like this absolutely objectify women to the viewer. Young men who are very impressionable playing this game will no doubt be effected by this. Disgusting. If gender equality was held to the same standard as racism in our country this would never fly… it would be the equivalent of a game about lynching minorities.

This is disgusting! I don’t understand how anyone could say that this video game is an acceptable game that can be sold in stores. The youtube video critique done by the young lady on here makes me upset because I don’t understand how any woman would say that a game like this is okay. I suppose I should also say that I don’t agree with violent video games of any kind including war games and shooting. Some people claim these types of video games teach children strategy and helps them problem solve but I believe these techniques can be taught without exposing children to killing. I have witnessed the effects of this with my small boy cousins. The two boys are about 6 and 8 years old. Their father who is my first cousin has allowed them to be exposed to many violent types of games and in turn they play games “shooting each other or pretending to shoot animals.” To me, this is very unhealthy behavior. I can only imagine a young boy seeing his older cousins or brothers playing this rape game and then “pretending to rape” and female student at school. I’m sure people would see problems with this. Overall, these games give a signal that this behavior is okay and I believe everyone would agree, it’s not! As far as people saying this allows individuals to act out sex fantasies I would have to say sexual fantasies that are as controversial as this would have to be acted out or discussed with a trusted partner. It would have to be given extreme consideration but not to be displayed in a public way such as a video game.

It makes me sad to know that people actually would take the time to create a video game which message says that it’s okay for a woman to get rape. What makes me more sad is to know that parents would buy such games to their kids and that society doesn’t do anything to stop videos like this one from coming out to the market. I feel that video games like this one is what causes many boys to grow up with that mentality that raping a girl or forcing a girl to do what she doesn’t want it’s okay. People should be realistic and understand that kids learn everything they see and they in one way or another imitate what they see. For those who believe that the video game is not that bad, they should take a minute and think if they would like any guy who is influence by these kinds of video games to rape any women of their families. I’m pretty sure that no one would ever want any women of their families to be rape. I personally don’t see how people can get pleasure out of this game, if anything they should be doing things to stop these actions that everyday make our society worst and worst. As a woman I feel offended that any person whether is a female or male would find this game pleasant.

I am shocked. The idea of the game is really disturbing. I don’t see where the fun in this game is, unless you are a rapist yourself and get off on it. It’s disturbing that people would actually create this stuff, and though it’s true that the blame doesn’t fall completely on the creators, I do blame them. This is adding fuel to the fire, and desensitizing people to the brutality of rape, not only physically, but also emotionally and mentally. As for the girls commentary, it’s really sad that of all people, it’s a girl who is sticking up for the video. She says she is not taking sides, but then says the game is okay. So really, she is taking a side, and unfortunately it’s the wrong one. For anyone to think that rape is ok, is wrong. It is not a sexual fantasy. If your fantasy is rough sex, then find a partner who is willing to play it out with you. Her comparison of a violent killing game does not make sense. Killing is horrible, but it doesn’t mean that since raping isn’t (always) murder, then it’s ok. I would never allow my child to play any violent games, and it should not be ok with any parent.

Are you kidding me?! A video game where you get to rape people? What kind of sick world do we live in? I read this article to my roommate and her response was, “Who would create a game where you could rape women?” My response: A rapist! It makes me sick to think that we as a society have become so desensitized to violence that it is almost normal to create a video game where players are excited to rape women! This game is making rape legal through virtual means and that is not okay! Clearly there is evidence that supports that some video games do lead to violence in children and adults, for that matter. So, why in the world would it be okay to create and release a game that is basically encouraging players to go out and rape women! The video response literally left me with my mouth open. Yes, i agree with the the young, disturbed girl that there are other videos that involve the senseless killing of human beings and Rapelay is doing no different, but remains a big deal. However, it is a big deal! and i completely disagree with all violent video games as well. What’s the use in violent video games? What do they teach us, other than that violence and senseless killing is okay? We have enough violence in real life, most of which is initiated through video games, there is no need to have to experience it through some sick fantasy.

This is terrilbe. This stuff shouldn’t happen to men or women.
I mean, how many male characters such as Ryu, Ken, and Akuma from Street Fighter are based upon the sexist ideology of men?

Why does every man have to muscular or evil? Why do men have to be either saving a “princess” or “damsel in distress”?
These characters should not be encouraging young men of today’s time to submit themselves to stereotypical gender roles. Nor should it encourage young women to be damsels in distress.

Another gender assault among men is how many male “mooks”, aka common enemies that players fight, are killed over the amount of female mooks. Either the mook killing should be equal amongst the genders or have no gender at all.

Lastly, in games such as Skyrim, there tends to be a message about “Taking time to be a dad”.

This is an outrage, there should be no video games that tries to force their own ideologies among any gender, whether it is men/women having children to win/cannot progress the game without or cooking games such as Cooking Mama.

This is an outrage and needs to be stopped. Super Heroes today even fall victim towards gender bias and stereotypes.

Superman, Batman, The Green Lantern, Spider and etc. are all examples of putting too many “natural roles” on young men.

Even in today’s fairy tales such as “Beauty and the Beast” always has the man looking like a flawless sculpture. This needs to stop young men as well as young women should be subjected to these primitive qualities in either gender nor should it be expected.

So please take a stand and stop the gender bias against both men and women boys and girls, because neither should suffer.

The fact that the idea of rape has become a game is very disturbing to me. As the article discusses some people in society have already become desensitized to the idea of rape, perhaps because of to many cries of “wolf” that they believe some women do and also perhaps because of the fact that defense counsel brings up everything in a women’s past dragging her through the mud and making it seem like she “asked for it”. I know from previous classes regarding violence against women that many women are afraid to come forward to report a rape because they feel they get “raped” by the system as well having to get examined by the doctor and retell their story over and over again only to have nothing come from this but further humiliation. I think allowing games like this to exist sends the message to impressionable young boys that this is acceptable behavior and that is dangerous. It is sad that violence against women has already become somewhat desensitized within society which is already outrageous but if games like this are allowed to exist, rape will be seen the same way as well.

Games like this should not be created. They are sick forms of entertainment. Games like these have a profound impact on those who play them and it helps them desensitize themselves from the gruesome reality of rape. Additionally, The fact that this is even considered a ‘game’ only implies that it is ‘ok’ or ‘fine’ to simulate violent actions against women. This form of entertainment is disgusting and should be banned!!

Wow. A video game that lets the player rape a woman! What is this world coming too? Raping woman is not a joke! Don’t people understand that by raping women they take away her own self-identity, worth, life, personality, heart, love, and other emotions? What is the point of this video game to teach the player raping is ok and it’s easy as the game depicts it? It is clear our society has gone to the whole sex sells campaigns rather than the higher learning education opportunity. If this rape game makes GTA look like Pac man then I can’t imagine all the horrific material it contains. Another source we need to see if what kind of ill people are buying this game. This game is clearly degrading woman and making them seen as sex objects. Patriarchy gives power to the man to rape and devalue women and take her rights away as if society didn’t do this already now a video game? What is next? This ‘game’ is not a game but a porn movie one can create whatever their pleasure is. This really saddens me because it shows how low people will go in order to make money.

I agree with what was said, that “viewing repetitive and stable images decreases our sensitivity to an issue, it normalizes the images and themes contained therein.” This is so true, when we allow children and young teens to play games or watch movies that constantly deal with violence, crimes, hate, evil, abuse, etc. they internalize these images as normal. Since they are in the adolescence stage, everything they see will be internalized, learned, seen as acceptable and carried on with them, through their life. Therefore if and when they imitate these observed scenes they learned they will not hesitate to carry them out and will think they have done nothing wrong. So whoever thought making this game was okay, is absolutely wrong and probably has some socialization issue of there own!! As a society, we need to regulate what our younger generation view and keep them from learning deviant acts from video games and TV. I have a close family member who was a victim of rape and she said they guy who took advantage of her didn’t hesitate, nor had any remorse of what he did. I believe if our society cracked down on sexual abuse related video games, movies, magazines, tv shows, etc. and keep them from being produced for profit, as well as laying the law down more harshly, then we wouldn’t have so many victims and cases of women and even boys/men being victims of sex. We need to start this now so we can protect our younger generation from harm.

Rape is never a game and should not be taken lightly by any means. This video game, RapeLay, and its creators are disgusting. I personally feel that these antics are ways that society, specifically men, attempts to hold women in bondage. It is no secret that the male species has been known as the sex in control and women have been characterized to be fragile and submissive. These situations are nothing more than a way to frighten women back into the role that society has taught us. The fact that a game was created about an issue that is extremely sensitive to many people, not just women, leaves me speechless. I do not understand how this game even made it pass the individuals who rate video games. There have been numerous films, commercials, and ads that have immediately sparked controversy and have been removed. It is disturbing that this game was publicized in Japan in 2006 and other parts of the world are still hearing about the game three years later.

I cannot believe that there is a game that’s primary goal is raping women and how to rape them. It is appalling, disturbing and terribly scary. What are we teaching young people? No wonder dating violence among young people has increased we are giving them the examples of what to do. I also do not understand how this type of video game can even be allowed. What kind of rating did it receive? And why are parents letting their kids play such a game? We are, once again, glamorizing violence against women.

I honestly cannot believe that someone actually took the time to create a game like Rapelay and release it to the public for others to see. Not only is it a horrible concept that focuses specifically on violence and aggression against women, but it is offensive to women who have dealt with rape and relationship abuse in their own lives. I can’t even imagine the flood of terrible emotions that a rape victim would feel after seeing this game for the first time. I’m really at a complete loss for words about this game… As if our generation doesn’t see enough violent images in the media, this game takes our obsession with violence to a whole different level. Not only are we able to watch women be raped and taken advantage of on television and in advertisements, but now we are able to basically rape women ourselves. It is sick. And I feel truly sorry for my generation and those that come after, that we are growing up in a world where games and ideas like this are acceptable.

9. WOW!! I cannot believe that this video game was made and the people that actually played it! Thanks to videos like this it teaches society that it is ok to rape and abuse women, when it is not ok in any way! It is very true when you say “violence against women is an issue that we, as a culture, are already desensitized to on many levels”, let’s take a look at Charlie Sheen he has had a reputation of being a “bad boy”. He has been abusive and violent with his former girlfriends and wives. Although these women have reported him and put restraining order against him he has never been officially charged with anything, he has gotten away with paying a fine and going on probation. The disturbing thing is that people still accept him and are waiting to see what he will do next. Because we are already desensitized in so many ways it seems as it is normative and accepted, when in reality it is not ok.

Rape is never a game. The serious issue of such a violent act has been desensitized by many forms of media such as pornography, high end fashion magazines and now a video game. It has got to be one of the most disgusting games I have ever heard of. What is extremely disturbing is that people actually played it for “fun.” How would any body think it fine to normalize rape? Abuse and violence against women and children has to stop. These images that are being bombarded on us on a daily basis are nothing more than a way to make rape as normal as drinking milk out of the carton.

People especially kids who play the game will go on and think its ok to rap and beat women. Rape is not a game, I never even heard of RapeLay and what it’s doing is reinforcing that violence against women as normative. What I want to know is who gets hired for making video games and who in their right minds thinks its ok to attack women. There guys who never had girlfriends and probably never will because they don’t believe that violence against women is a serious issue. If they think its ok to put it a video game they must think it’s ok to do it in real life.

I am disgusted that someone would think that a game about rape is entertaining. A game that glorifies a horrific event, like rape, should never even cross someones mind. I believe it is the fact that our society has became accustomed to seeing these image that a game about rape could exist. Unfortunately, there are movies, television shows, and ads that show explicit images that have become something we are immune to. I know someone who was raped; therefore when I see images of rape I cannot help but to cringe inside because I know the physical and mental pain it can cause. I believe if society did not make it seem like a game, a scene in a movie, or something that happens to certain people, then we would not be able to look at images of rape for entertainment.

Sadly I have to say that I too am a victim of this desensitizing of not only violence against women but violence in general. While I am upset that such a game exists I cannot say that I am surprised. I personally do not believe that playing games that are violent creates violent behavior. There are many other factors to consider. Parents of children that play these violent games have a duty to censor the type of games that they are allowed to play because in America we would be outraged if we banned such games because we would feel that our rights would be violated. Therefore the responsibility falls to the parents to prohibit the material that you do not want your child exposed to in your household.
However I do feel that this game Rapelay went to the extreme with the concept of this game. In this society rape has become a fantasy sadly for men and women alike I know many males that enjoy being extremely dominate during sex as well and women who enjoy being dominated. In our society where you can turn on the computer and find sites specializing in rape porn it is not that far off to discover a video game that allows one to act out those same desires. Don’t get me wrong I am not condoning rape porn or this video game I’m simply saying that the creation of this game should not be that big a surprise.

I find that anyone who is capable of creating and releasing these types of games has a questionable sense of morals. It is very sad and preposterous to see that games such as this are surging in society today and setting the example to young players that it is acceptable to treat women like sexual objects instead of as people. The idea that when someone is shown a certain image continuously throughout a long period of time, then that image is engraved in one’s mind and gives them the perception that what that image is portraying about someone or something is possibly true. The fact that a “game” was released that allows players to visually rape a girl as a form of entertainment is an unfortunate form of engraving such a negative image in the minds of today’s youth. It gives the completely wrong message that women/girls are less than men and that men/boys can treat women the way they treat them in the “game.” It sets a very shady and reckless path that can make the issues revolving rape even more prominent than they already are today. Youth need to learn from positive reinforcement the way to treat all people, men and women, as equals and not look down on them because they are who they are. Let’s just say this so-called “game” is driving that ideal further and further away from what society should be based on human consciousness and morals, and not what entertainment dictates.

WOW…this is so ridiculous!! Who ever created this game is sick in the head? Not only talking about rape is uncomfortable enough, but now there’s a game that shows the process of rape. I mean this is no joke and people who own this game see it as something enjoyable. I fear for those people who have once been raped and to view the game! What in the world are the next generations being exposed to? Stuff like this allow others to see violence and rape as a normal thing to do. It’s sad that Japan would actually publicize such worthless things. As well as other countries that are exposing the game into their society. This really upset me…..

How much more disgusting can our society become? When I read this article, I was truly horrified as to what we were teaching our future generations is appropriate behavior and appropriate entertainment. When young girls play this, they will learn that being objectified is just dandy and that they should allow men to molest and rape them in public at their will. Meanwhile, young boys will learn that girls are just sexual creatures to release aggression and deviant behaviors. There is no respect to women in this game and they do nothing to help themselves (well maybe if they fought back and lost that would bring on a whole new slew of mind games and problems). I was so shocked by this game, I went onto youtube to look at a preview and my impressions only grew worse. Different options for camera angles, options to disrobe the women, and choices of what to do. I am still baffled that this game exists and am very happy that the company already made changes to it, according to the final note, but this game needs to be off the shelf!

Who in their right sickening mind would even let this game be present to any gamer playing it. This sadden me because these young children getting ahold to these games will think it is ok to rape or sexually assault someone and if they don’t have the chance to do it now when they get older they will be more aggressive and ready. We already have problems with certain media views such as; porn, how to be beautiful, how to stay thin, how to make him happy, sex and so much more disturbing trends that will affect our youth to thinking it is right to do these things. Whenever I decide to be a parent I am making sure to keep these violent sickening games away from my children this is crazy.

WOW! I would have never even thought about making a video game about rape. the worst thing about this to me is that women have a hard enough time coming forward to report that they were raped that having a video game is just going to make it even harder because these girls will think that it is okay. The making of violence into more and more of a normative against women is just going to keep getting worse if we don’t stop it soon. I once played Grand Theft Auto and couldn’t believe the things that you could do to win points. My ten year old brother was playing it and I was so mad that my parents let him. When he left the room I stole it and hid it from him because I thought it was inappropriate. These video games are not a good influence on our youth at all. What ever happen to plain old Mario Cart and Sonic. Those were my favorite games. This violence and portrayal and women are just sex symbols needs to stop!

Rape is in no way, shape, or form a game that has no consequences. This coming from Japan isn’t that surprising as their culture views sex differently than ours, with many strange portrayals of sex in the use of anime or manga’s and yes it’s disturbing and strange but these little known subcultures exist and even thrive in Japan, just as there are panty vending machines for the perverts of the culture as well. It’s a despicable act, to force sexual relations against someone’s will let alone the disturbing notion to do so virtually in a video game for entertainment purposes. There are no reasons for this game to even exist; the people playing such things have to be disturbed in even contemplating playing such appalling games.

This is just nuts. How can someone even think this would be a good idea? This has gone way too far. A video game that allows women to be raped?! This is just sick, but is it really that surprising? We are so desensitized to violence against women. There is a lot of media out there that promotes violence against women but I think the messages are subconscious. I don’t think that we can get anymore blunt than this video game. What are we telling our young children by video games like this.If young children didn’t think rape was okay, this video game has shown them that its accepted.

Rape should not be a subject that can not be taken seriously, it is a big issue in this country. There are a lot of rape victims out there that are still haunted by that situation and therefore it should not be taken as a game. I am trully shocked at the fact that they have actually made a videogame out of it. Video games like this reinforce the ideas that women are seen as objects that are suppose to be there for our joy and pleasure, which is completely wrong! Who ever came up with the idea for this videogame should really get there head checked out. Rape and violence against women are two issues that continue to be a problem in our society and should not be taken as a joke.

Rape is something that should not be considered a game in any way. This is teaching kids and people that rape can be taken as a game and that it is no big deal when in fact its a huge crime and deprivation to women. Its very disturbing to see that a person would even come up with a game yes japan is a different culture and view things differently but i think that rape is considered wrong in all places and nobody should see any different. Rape is no joke and importantly no game and by this being treated as a game is teaching our kids and youth that by playing this and victimizing and using violence towards women is something natural when in fact it is wrongful thing to do.

I cannot believe that there are really games like this out there! It is totally sick! It’s bad enough that advertising and entertainment trivialize sex and the damaging effects of violence against women, desensitizing both young men and women, making it appear normal for this type of behavior when it is not. Making a “game” out of it is totally unacceptable as far as I am concerned. The media, and now gaming, have really need to be censored somehow. Where is our sense of morality?

I remember when people were upset about this game. Most individuals are not even aware that Japan is famous for producing inappropriate, sexual, and violent video games. These games are obviously targeted at young boys, teenagers, and men. It’s unfortunate that society has resorted to this kind of behavior. Within patriarchy, men are constantly fighting to be powerful, and dominant. Women, children, and even men are targeted in patriarchy. Women and children are obviously targeted more because they are the weaker sex. When a weaker individual is violently/sexually assaulted, patriarchy gives the offender masculinity points, and they are positively sanctioned for expressing what is expected of them. This male dominance has surfaced in the media, where violence is glorified, and emotion is viewed as weak and unimportant. Images like these are shaping the lives of people, and is very detrimental to society. Women and children will continue to be raped and beaten, and men will continue to remain sexist and misogynistic. This video game is just another example of how messed up the entertainment industry is. Rape is serious issue. People are violently beat, raped, and killed because of these images. Why haven’t we put a stop to it?

For starters this game is absolutely appalling, I don’t see how anyone would want to play this game unless they were already into the sickening thoughts of rape and demeaning women. The creators of this game must have some sort of weird influence to make them want to create an actual video game that involves forcing women to have sex. This game is very degrading to women not to mention offensive to anyone who would want to in the first place. Of all the violent video games out there, involving guns, war, killing, I still feel that rape is the absolute worst one to conjure up a game about and then at the very least sell it to the world so that our youth could buy it and play it’s degrading story line.

It is absolutely disturbing what the video game industries are creating. Don’t people realize rape isn’t a joke? It is a serious issue and this video game isn’t helping. I am all for people being creative in producing video games but I just don’t see what is so fun to play this game. It is absolutely disturbing. Also, knowing that this game comes from Japan maybe they don’t see that violence against women shouldn’t be recreated in a video game. Every country has different cultural norms but I think every country in this world knows that violence against women is a real issue and shouldn’t be seen as just a game.

As a kid I wasn’t allowed to play video games and I was unaware of what they enticed children with. However, now I’m married to not only a gamer but my husband works for one of the biggest gaming company. I know have become aware of the type of games that children and even adults are playing. You have video games that interest the players knowledge with riddles and mystery. Then there the games that in order to win you have to kill, cheat, rape, steal, ect. Games like those are sold by the millions to young children who then can go out to the real world and play out those scenes. It saddens me when I see parents with their children waiting in line to buy Grand Theft Auto (happened to me in real life, at the midnight yes midnight purchase, parents took their young children to buy the game). Violence is seen as the only way to accomplish your goal in these games. And women are viewed as worthless and replaceable. Young children are too young to correlate what they see on TV to real life. I believe the companies making these games have the right to do so. However, its the parents who need to be more informed with the type of games they are buying for the children.

Wow!!!!…. I can’t belive it, now rape is in the video “games”… I wonder what the creater was thinking when making this game? Rape is a big issue but for them, the person who made it and those who play it, is only a game. Rape is something seriously and real that we should do domething to prevent and stop it not to encourage it.Kids might play this game and they have an idea painted that is okey for them to repe women since it is on their, it is bad enough they play violent games and now with this games what are they going to turn out to be? Violence is glorify in this games and women are target on this games and in real life because they are seen as a weak gender. People should stop buying this kind of games so they could stop making them. We have to take action instead and stop violence and rapes.

It is very disturbing to see the types of video games they have made. They do have a rating system on video games to tell the consumer what age the video game play may be appropriate for in the US, but there are still smaller/independet companies that create videos games. This game would be extremly dangerous in the hands of children. The game sends a very bad message and games like this in any way should be banned by legislative actions.

It is beyond disturbing that someone would make a video game that allows the player to rape women. Rape is never ok under any circumstance, and it truly baffles me how these types of games are even allowed to be sold. Video games caan be very brainwashing and they send subliminal messages saying that violence against women is ok. What disturbs me even more is that this game is made available to the world so that children and teens can purchase it. There is absolutely no good excuse for a video game of this manner and I feel that this type of game should not be allowed to be created, it should not be approved, and it should be banned.

I cannot get over the fact that a game like this was even CONSIDERED to be made. Who came up with this idea? And secondly who thought this would be okay? It baffles me and goes beyond my fathoming. The fact that people actually play this game and think its okay, is a problem itself. I cannot believe that people would really differentiate this game just because it’s virtual. Yes it’s true that just because you play the video game doesn’t mean you would commit the act in real life; BUT it is saying that you do not have a problem with rape and you are not against it. I like how the article points out that violent acts are increasing rather than decreasing. This game could be seen as a major part of this. It’s sad that people have to actual protest against things like this in order to get them banned. Is it not enough that they are humanly wrong to begin with? It’s not recognizable as being wrong until someone points out the fact that it is wrong? WOW . . I am at a loss of words. I see it as the issue of rape is seen as a game. It was created into a game, so how else would you explain it?

Oh dear lord no. How horrifying, absolutely horrifying. I wonder how much attention this got in Japan. I hope that there was outrage over it when it first came out over there. I remember being angry about how women were portrayed in my brother’s Grand Theft Auto games when we were younger, and this looks about a million times worse (I did not think that was possible to get any worse than Grand Theft Auto). Do they not even realize that these products are being used by children? This might be one of the worst ways I’ve ever seen the media encourage violence.

Obviously a video game where you rape women is an absolutely terrible idea, game and concept. It is impossible to defend this game as anything other than cheap thrills that is not only disgusting, but also dangerous.

That being said, I don’t believe that this game is anywhere near as worrisome for the strength of the rape culture as television advertising, music and pornography. Few video games are realistic enough to be mimicked or to instill thoughts in a persons head. Other forms of media are much more grounded in reality and provide a larger threat to women in general. Rape is, in my opinion, the most disgusting act a human being can commit and is very rarely punished accordingly. Discussing a video game like this is almost a negative thing because it turns this video game into the issue rather than focusing on the rape culture that leads to so much sexual violence. While this game is disgusting, it only works to mask the real problem.

I am horrified that this game was considered and actually released out to the world. It is unfortunate that people do not realize that rape is a serious issue in the U.S. and probably throughout the world. The through that video gamers can replay scenes of women being raped for please just deeply saddest me because these actual events are happing to women every two minutes. It is clear that our society does not care about the issue and instead they make money on an issue that has been around for years. As the article states, “Games that continues to use images of gratuitous and unapologetic violence as a source of entertainment frighten me because the inevitable result are horrifying.” I consistently think to myself what has this world come to. We live in a world where degrading women is perfectly norm and women are seen as sexual objects instead of real people. This absolutely breaks my heart and I am afraid to raise children in a world where women are not value nor respected.

I am honestly in shock that a game like this can be released. If little children got a hold of this game of only teaches them that sex is something a man can get whenever he wants even if it comes from force. I cannot even express how terribly this would affect children’s perceptions. They act out fighting scenes from games so what would be stopping them from trying to play rape games with girls. Girls from an even younger age could give in and state well the game does it so I guess that how it is supposed to be. Also games in the last few years have become so realistic so they look like real people. Also I am sure that this game doesn’t go over all the effects that rape has on women. What trauma they face after the event. This really upholds and maintains a patriarchal society where women have no say and are just objects to men. As a society we need to move past this idea and teach boys from a young age to respect women and that they are equals. This game has bad written all over it and if hasn’t been taking off shelves yet it should be forced to be taken off.

What a horrifying article to read. What is extremely sad is that such violence is so common in video games. These games which are labeled “M for Mature” are easily available to young adults who are the main market of video games. Young adolescent boys are exposed to such violence in video games that they cannot differentiate reality from fantasy. Violence against women or anyone for that matter is unacceptable. The sexualization of women in video games has become so common. In popular games such as Tomb Raider the main character Lara Croft is dressed in booty shorts and a tank top. In Grand Theft Auto, the main character of that game is allowed to go around causing all sorts of mayhem assaulting “prostitutes” and robbing them of their money. When young people are exposed to such violence not only in video games but in other channels of media entertainment have an increasing effect on violent behavior. How scary is it that people are receiving treatment because they are addicted to video games?! Such content should not be created in the first place.

Rape and violence have become a part of everyday life. How many times have you walked down the street and heard a young boy say to his friend “man you raped that guy!” or “rape that shit” when referring to a game or test? The term rape has become such a casual term that is used in every day lingo with the younger generation because the media portrays it that way. Rape is a sexual fantasy in most porn, and violence against women is ok. Most boys are learning from movies and porn that when a woman says no, she is just being coy. The violence in the word rape has come to my attention through my girlfriend. Just like most Americans my age, rape became normal, but every time someone proclaims the word, my girl friend flinches. It’s interesting to watch her in the next few seconds wind up as she launches into a small but effective and very true lecture on how the word rape is not ok. People need to realize that it’s not just a media centered ok fantasy, it is a real, violent act that can affect and damage a person for life, not a game.

Whenever I hear stories like this about rape, it’s just so disturbing. Because there are people out there who are okay with it, (obviously, they’re making games about it.} It’s just a shame because here are game makers who making light of this very serious and REAL issue. Women fear going out because of the fear of being raped or getting attacked sexually and violent entertainment plays a role in that. I know my family constantly worry about me being out at night and when a guy is walking behind me, I start to feel uneasy. This is not how women should be feeling during their daily life. They should not constantly have that fear of rape. And though we may not always be conscious of that fear, it is always there. These video games a factor into why it is such an issue.
It’s hard to read about things like this. It is obvious that these video games are making an impact on our society on those who play them. Our society jokes about rape in such a casual way and it is never a joke. I’ve had friends who have made comments that were so insensitive and rude, and I just don’t understand how rape could ever be considered funny in any context. And this is how all people should see it. That’s what is so disturbing to me, that is isn’t a serious thing to some people.

Outrage is not suitable for how appalled I am right now. What has our country.. Our society come to? Rape is not a game. Rape is not a joke. I have personally met several women, some of which I hold close relationships with that have been raped and the way it has affected them is beyond describable. The fact that someone in this world would even attempt to create a game that promoted such an act is disturbing. By allowing games like Grand Theft Auto to allow such actions in their video games, definitely normalizes this act. This game is played by many young boys and girls, including my nephew. I could not fathom ever allowing him to play this game. By allowing someone to rape a woman in this video game it is teaching young children like my nephew that rape is okay. Video games and the media are a great influence on children in their mental development. I don’t know about other parents or adults but the message of “rape is okay” is not something I would want my nephew to learn. Women should be loved and respected. They are humans; not objects to fulfill sexual needs. Nevertheless, rape is not only common among women but also around men. Yet, I highly doubt this game allows women to rape men. I am in no way saying this would be acceptable and therefore make this video game okay if they did so. I am simply trying to make a point on how society views women compared to men. The creators of this video game clearly see women of less of human beings than they see men. Not only that but they also endorse something that affects women everywhere. Men came from a women’s wound. They were raised by women and yet they sponsor such a cruel act to happen to a representation of their mothers. This whole article has left me speechless and distraught. As a once supporter of Grand Theft Auto, I can sincerely say that after reading this, they have lost my complete support.

The fact that someone could actually sit down at their computer screen and play a game where they are choosing a women to virtually rape is disgusting. Some people need to get help. A game is meant to challenge your mind, solve a puzzle, or just enjoy yourself. Who in their right mind would actually enjoy themselves, playing this game. Not only that, what about how accessible this is for children. If kids play this sort of game, they grow up thinking that raping a women is ok.

I would have never thought of a day where I had to come to terms with the idea that a game had been created, and the main concept of the game was the virtual raping women. It is inconceivable that this game actually exists, and the fact that this game was actually played is disturbing to say the least. It is perplexing that the only reason why the game was reevaluated was because of a feminist uproar, when it should have never been created in the first place. This game says a lot about what is valued globally and showcases a blatant disregard for the respect of women that crosses country lines. This is no longer a culture problem but as stated in the article, this is a pandemic. When we look at statistics that tell us that human trafficking is one of the most lucrative businesses worldwide, it is not longer surprising. Women have been systematically exploited, objectified, and devalued for so long, that people don’t realize how much such negative images are affecting their lives. Constantly being bombarded with such heinous images and getting used to seeing them desensitizes individuals from being aware of the atrocious behaviors actually being exhibited. What is even more saddening is the fact incidents of women getting rapped occur all to often and for someone to create a game like this is disgusting. With such games like rapelay being marketed, I truly fear for women around the world.

This makes me so angry. Grand Theft Auto was bad enough, but a game with the sole purpose of rapping a woman is too far. The person who created this has to be sick! I appreciate that the author includes that the information could be outdated and the game is no longer available… BUT STILL!!! These types of games just desensitize the players to the crimes that they are perpetuating, not to mention glamorizing it. I wonder if the points based system could have some rewards benefit which could ultimately lead to behavioral training leading to real world behavioral or attitude changes. Basically, does these points based systems for committing criminal acts in video games increase a persons urge to commit the crime in real life or change a persons attitudes about committing real life crimes? All and all, these types of games, in my opinion, are just another example of ways in which technology can actually harm our society.

Raping women should not be a game period! Children are the ones that play video games; it is not okay for a boy to be able to play a game where he can repeatedly rape a woman. It is unacceptable. Rape against women is something that should not be taken lightly. Any violence against women shouldn’t be taken lightly. By having video games that people can play were they are constantly performing acts of violence on women makes it seem like it is okay. Violence against women is something that should not be tolerated in real life or the virtual world. The messages that we a sending to our children is horrible. Our children will grow up thinking that what they are playing in the games are acts that they can act out on in real life.

Games like this should be unacceptable. This is a joke to something that is completely and utterly wrong in society. Its a disgrace for the creators to actually think of creating a game like this for people to play. Is the next game how many kids can we sexually assault? Rape is a serious crime and is never accepted in our society in a positive manner but this game just turns that around. Hopefully this game is taken off the market and abolished from ever coming out again because it is a joke to actually publish something like this. Gaming systems that actually would let the game be played on their console are setting a bad example and basically saying they condone such acts.

After reading this article my first thought was ” who came up with this game?”. Since I never played video games, I honestly did not even know that these games exist. It makes me so angry knowing that our youth play games like this. What does this teach our society really? I do believe that many kids do, however, act out scenes from movies and fights on TV.Then our society wanders why we have violence, juvenile delinquency, rape and etc?
I grew up playing with dolls and with the kids in our neighborhood. We did not even have options of video games. I mean come on the only game I recall is “Mario”. I think I grew up ok. My point is kids today have too many options, too many open minded games. Are we really teaching our kids how to rape? that is sad!

Violence is a problem in today’s society and it doesn’t help when today’s youth has access to this violent games which normalized violent crimes towars women. If the youth continues to play this violent game they will be detached from their emotions making it in their eyes normal,common or right to expercience or see this violent acts take part in society. Games are played to be fun and spend leisure time not to be used as a fictious world wher they are able to take on violent actions like rape and killing. We need to regulate the content of video games because the simplistiy that was one seen in games like pac man will vanish with time and will result in games which objectives will be killing, rapping and torture of human kind.

Rape is nothing that should be desensitized by society. It is already a problem that most rape victims to not report their crimes of rape, let alone for games like this to make theses women feel like its their fault and men have the right to do so. What bothers me the most, is that we already have an issue with our youth who are heavily influenced by modern technology. They are coming more violent each day as they watch violent content and are heavily exposed to it. Now that this rape game is being circulated, our youth will be blinded to the fact that it is a degrading crime, but they will also go to think that it is something acceptable. I feel that games like this is what will cause the rape statistics to rise. Our youth will not understand the violation and they would be totally desensitized to the whole act of rape.

9. Media has an extreme impact on our society but games do as well. In 2006, there was a game made in 2006 called “RapeLay”. RapeLay is a game that allows the player to rape a woman over and over again while choosing a variety of methods to initiate the assault. It was announced on CNN which caused a media stir especially to women’s rights groups. Creating a video game where you can rape women is ridiculous as much as it is just plain wrong. Rape is not something to be taken lightly because it affects everyone. It is also a social issue America is facing with which is increasing annually. It sickens me that video games today have completely changed, video games weren’t as graphic and the games that did contain violence did not do it directly towards women. Nowadays, there’s video games with hookers and stripers such as Grand Theft Auto. I believe acts such as creating a video game with such violence increases the likelihood of violence in real life situations because it gives the audience a false assumption and idea that it is acceptable in society.

The problem with this game and the Hot Coffee mod in Grand Theft Auto is that these games would be obscure if it wasn’t for the sensationalistic coverage it got well after the game released. The general public, and in turn kids, would never find out about these types of things if it wasn’t for the attention the media draws to them. For example, Hot Coffee could not even be accessed unless you were actually looking for it. You had to mod or hack the game to access it. Rapelay was a game that was just released in Japan. It wasn’t a game that gets released worldwide like a Call of Duty. Japan has it’s own culture and it’s own video game culture as well. There have been titles where men get raped by women as well. Japan’s views of gaming are highly different than ours in the West.

Is this art imitating life or life imitating art? The concept of this video game steps beyond soft porn and some hardcore porn. It’s a way to train men how to rape in a friendly environment. I know this is in Japanese culture but why was (is) it not frown upon by member of society. I feel the same about this game as I do about video games that glorify war. It’s like taking a prep course on how to kill or rape. Think about fans watching the NBA Playoffs right now. They take it very serious, living vicariously though the players and images they see on television. Only a rapist would want to play a video game catered towards raping women. I wonder how many sells or users did this video game have? How many were men? And how many were women?

I am horrified that such a thing exists. I realize that sexual domination is marketed and even fetishized in modern society (which in itself is an issue), but this just goes too far. The fact that we have become so desensitized to rape is alarming, in that we are not only enforcing these behaviors, but we are teaching them to the future generations who will grow up thinking this is normative. Rape is not a game, nor has it ever been. While I am glad efforts are being made to take this game off the shelves, I am also concerned about those who have already purchased and/or played the game. It certainly does not reflect well on our culture that we allow such things to be created and sold. I personally think that the creators of the game should be held personally responsible for making a game with such a disgusting concept. It not only promotes rape culture, but it directly targets men and in essence gives them the tools necessary to rape and beat women. There have been significant studies which have shown that video games are extremely influential upon the minds of people playing them; therefore it is no question that people will not only learn from this video game, but they will begin to emulate it.

Hmmm, I’m not as shocked as I should be. Or am I more shocked than I should be? I can never tell when it comes to our society. But anyways, this article makes me wonder what will be coming next. Violence is something that has our society has been almost completely desensitized too. And I’ll admit it, I love that shit. I love horror in movies, video games, books, and whatever other form I can get it in. ( Well, except in porn. Does that even exist? I really hope not) Of course, I’m never going to go out and murder someone, but the fact that I’m so desensitized to it, even if it’s just the fake stuff, is a bit of a problem. If violence was able to become so mainstream so quickly, then would rape be able to be absorbed into the media? After all, it’s become the norm in advertising, or at least it’s shock value has been significantly decreased. Do I have to worry about keeping my future kids from playing games like RapeLay 7? Hopefully people will just not tolerate this material being a part of the media.

This is absolutely horrific. I can’t even believe a game like this was created! This shows the desperation of corporations to create profit. I think a video game liek this should be completely banned. Children are very impressionable so if you allow them to play a game like this, and yes young children will play it regardless of the rating, it will show them that these attitudes and actions towards women are normal and they clearly aren’t. If a game like this came out where men were getting raped by other men or specifically men being the victim, either the media would expose and destroy it immediately or a game like this would never even hit the market. It is terrible to see that people are degrading women and their bodies to such a point that you can virtually rape them.

People are always wondering how some men can be so heartless and abusive. Well if people read this post, they wouldn’t have to look far. If you are being exposed to such extremes in only a game, imagine what it can do to your mentality on a daily basis in the real world. If in a “game” this is shown to be OK, than the mind of boy or a man is easily shifted and adjusted to the idea that it’s alright in life as well. People are visual learners. Visual learning will take you a far way when you need to apply it to your life at a later point. When someone is exposed to something violent, it can resonate with them later differently than a person who wasn’t exposed. Games are now getting in the hands of young kids. I’ve seen 12 year olds play Grand Theft Auto which is a very violent game, so if these same young boys see games about raping women, what will happen when they are around girls later? Disrespect and violence that’s what! Games like this should be banned and there should be laws passed that violent and sexually explicit games are not allowed to be made and distributed.

I have never really been into video games, so I can not say from first hand expierience the impact video games has on real life. That said, I can say that while watching my younger brother play video games over the years I have noticed how entrigued and obsessed he becomes with the game. Although he realizes it may be on a 2D screen and not real life, it seems to be all his friends can talk about, or all they can brag about is who has the highest score in the latest game. Video game themes have become the talk of boys in every country, not only the United States.
I very much believe the reason why teenage pregnancy is so little frowned upon is because it is glorrified in MTV shows such as “16 and Pregnant”. If shows such as these did not exist, then young girls would not glorify having a child when they are still children themselves.
Now, back to this game, it is NOT OKAY to have a video game that awards points on how well the player can rape or abuse a woman. This not only shows boys voulnerable area’s of women’s bodies, it also rewards them directly for hurting women. Little boys do not see this as simple points in a video game, they see this as life. I think video games need to be regulated more than the movies we see in movie theatres, because they are interactive and demand more from the player.

Games like this normalize the concept of violence and make the idea of rape in real life that much more tantalizing. In the hands of young men, who are already desensitized to sex to some degree by the easy access to Internet porn, this game becomes merely practice for something they can actualize. Unfortunately, though acting out video games in real life is not the norm for a significant amount of gamers, there is that minority that tend to “ruin it for everyone”. While there is a small chance of someone playing this game and trying to act it out, it is necessary to make them inaccessible.

The issue on violent video games has been a controversial issue towards many individuals since it hit the market and became a profit maker for gaming companies. It is valid to say that these violent video games can cause negative consequences towards the children and young teens who play them, and how they learn to treat women as they become older. Rape-play is an example that violent video games can affect the user in a negative way, especially young children. As I learned in my Communiations 1 class, this can be a perfect example of the Social Learning Theory; these young individuals give their attention to the violent content, retain what they have seen, and imitate it in the future. This negative side can cause issues in terms of creating more violent video games. The cultivation effect plays a part in this, because the young individual who plays the violent games and views the rape actions will begin to perceive his world the way that it seems on the video game. Many people seem, especially young kids, tend to follow what they see on the television. Therefore, if they view rape in the video game, these kids will it find it normative in their life and will become desensitized to this idea. I believe that parents should monitor what types of video games their kids play, in order to prevent the desensitizing of images of rape.

A video game based on raping women is one of the most offensive things I have read about. What kind of misogynistic, awful human being could with all seriousness create such a game? Even more disturbing is the population of potential rapists who would purchase this game and play it. Young boys who play this are being taught that it is ok to sexually abuse and mistreat women by playing a game they easily could believe applies to the laws of real life too. Respect for women or just plain humane treatment of women is nowhere in sight. Video game industries have no idea how much their games affect young boys and their attitudes towards all human beings.

It is very sad that a video game like this actually was created, let alone played by people, and distributed online. ‘Games’ like these are just one factor in the big picture of desensitization of rape and violence against women. As stated in the blog above, seeing repetitive images of these horrible actions against women only perpetuates the problem. The mainstream media also uses a great deal of advertisements that are disturbing and offensive to women. As Jean Kilbourne discussed in Killing Us Softly III, there are ads that dehumanize women, therefore making it easier for a man to rape or abuse her, because she is no longer seen as a human. These types of video games are cruel and harmful to not only women, but young men as well. Young men are the primary consumers of video games in this society, and allowing them to consume such a distorted fantasy effects their views and respect for women.

All I can say is WOW! Who on earth would really create an awful game of raping women? No wonder rape is seeming like its happening more and more frequently and its only getting worse. Now since we don’t have a problem enough boys are being taught by a video game of how to rape and do whatever there hearts desire to do women. This video game is making rape more normalized and okay. Are parents not watching their children or they just okay with their sons playing this game? I seriously have lost all hope in the world!

I played a lot of Grand Theft Auto when I was much younger. The only reason I saved up and sold candy was to get a play station and play grand theft auto. I am not taking sides but I have never raped women in that game. It might be a new feature but that is disgusting. We all know kids play that game but if your playing a game that teaches young boys how to rape women what do the makers think is going to happen. I wish they could just imagine if they made that feature and it would affect their sister, mother, daughter, friend, and cousin that they would still do that. If they know the consequences of their actions and still choose to do so they are truly sick in the head. Now raping women is becoming part of our cultivation, this is sick.

I think that it is stick that someone would make a game out of rape. What is our society coming to. Kids make up the strangest games. I remember in elementary when our principal came in all worried asking the students if they have heard of the choking game. Parents really need to start parenting!!

I completely agree that “rape, virtual or real, is never simply a game, at least not for the victims of that violence, virtual or real, and its social, physical and emotional consequences. In the end, we’re all negatively effected by a culture that makes violence against *anyone* a game.” Sadly, because I’ve watched many guys play games like Grand Theft Auto I’ve become used to seeing video games promote violence, gun-action, criminal acts like stealing cars, and killing. I’ve also become used to seeing girls in the games barley dressed/ half naked but I have not seen nor can I believe that a “game” exists that focuses solely on raping women. Crimes and violence was one thing but now rape, sexual harassment and abuse towards women, what’s next? What has our society come to!? And HOW is raping a women entertaining? Rape is a serious issue, a serious crime that is not to be taken lightly and transformed into a game’s theme. (not that I agree that ANY violence/criminal acts should be incorporated within games) The fact that games like these are being made and sold shows that our society is greatly flawed. The game desensitizes the matter, and normalizes the concept of violence and abuse against women. It also promotes sadism. I am abhorred by such a game!

I am so disturbed by the content of this article. I had never heard of this game prior to reading this and I am shocked. I cannot even fathom how this was certified and passed as a video game. Not that I condone other video games that include demoralizing and abusing women but at least that is not their main focus. The focus of those games tend to be war, car racing, or stealing. The fact that this game is merely to rape women is beyond disgusting. How could any individual, man or woman, think that rape is a game. Rape is a serious issue and should not be taken lightly or joked about. Disgusting.

I cannot even believe that such “game” would be approved and let out for individuals to play. It is a shame to know that rape is not seen as a major issue, let alone inventing a game for it! I believe that this “game” is a horrible influence on young, even older, men which gives them the idea that rape is a common and normal act. It greatly angers me to see what the media can come up with when it comes to disgrace in regards to women and the female gender. Rape should not be considered a joke in any way what so ever, and should greatly be taken seriously due to the many individuals who are victims of rape. I find this “game” to be completely disgusting and ridiculous. I cannot even think of any reason as to why such people would even think about creating this video game. This is a horrible influence on not only individuals, but our society as a whole. I believe that rape is a serious and consistent issue that should not be publicized, giving people negative intentions.

How could the idea of raping women in a video game ever come about??? I also do not want to blame the actual makers of the video game but really who in their right mind says okay assaulting women is not such a big deal and lets incorporate that into our game!? It’s an outrage! The message that is being sent to young gamers, mostly male is that violence against women is really not that bad and they would probably justify it by saying that the women are not real and it’s not a crime. Just as stated in this blog, ” the level of mediation and amount of time young people are exposed to messages constructed by the mass media” is at an all time high. Boys, men, girls, women, whoever plays a game like this, that objectifies women cannot stand for the rights of women. These gamers are virtually assaulting these women and believe that their actions in real life will not reflect how they treat women virtually, how could it not?!? Women are still the object of male dominance and a game or not, the message is still the same. Shame, shame.

This post was so shocking to me that I went online to research if the game really existed…. Not that I didn’t believe the post, I just had to know for myself. It seems that there are all kinds of Google websites with links to the youtube, threads and other information about this Japanese game that allows the gamer to rape and terrorize a mother and her two minor children. In 2009 it looked like the government was seeking to make having this game a felony since it was like possessing kiddie porn, but they never did anything about it. It seems that brutalizing and raping women will just continue to be some kind of entertainment until someone makes is illegal. I volunteer at the USO and see the gamers playing all kinds of pretty graphic war games and I wonder if the games just desensitize them so that they can participate in war easier…. And then I wonder… will this video just do the same thing to people who play the rape game? Allow them to participate in rape and it will be easier for them to do???

Wow I can’t even believe that they are such sick animals that play this game. First of all rape is not a game at all. These types of games could only influence developing minds that raping is correct. More Importantly, more man is known to play these types games. It saddens me that these types of games are even created. For young children cross the world playing this games, rape may seem like is perfectly fine, but is not. These types of games not only confuse young children but also teaches them about women, and what they are suppose to do. I wonder being expose to these types of games in our today’s society could only influence them to continue these types of acts. I believe that all theses games should be banned.

I think the most disturbing thing about this game, is the fact that it wasn’t seen as disturbing in the first place. In Japan, women are objectified, and devalued. It frightens me that this would be ‘entertainment’. Roleplaying such a violent act relates to the obsession with porn, and violence within the porn industry. It’s seen as ‘sexy’ to force yourself upon women, and quite frankly that’s plain terrifying. No woman would want that naturally. In the game, they normalize and trivialize it. I just hope that few played this game, and weren’t influenced by it. Rape culture is truly complex and systematic, and we need to think of ways to showcase women in the media, videogames, etc, as humans, not as playthings.

I’m angry at the fact that people can stoop so low and make a game about a serious issue that affects so many people in our society. It’s really sad that people would make a game promoting rape in order to make some money. Games aren’t just games studies have shown that violent games do have an effect on individuals especially if they are exposed to the same images repeatedly. By showing the same constant images they become normative and allows the objectification of women to be seen as more accepted in our society. I can’t believe people would actually buy a game that allows you to rape women. That’s basically giving people the okay that it’s a fine to rape people when it isn’t. I agree with you rape is simply never a game. The media needs to be regulated in order to restrict certain images from being allowed to be shown especially images that are promoting violence.

I am horrified at the thought of people thinking that rape is just a “game”. Whoever thinks that way, and whoever made this videogame, is just naive and disgustiong. Rape is a huge problem that we have in the world today. This video game just makes it seem like it is something normal, and it is just for “fun”, when it certainly is not. People should ban this video game because it is giving out the wrong message. Instead of creating video games that make rape seem like something normal, they should try to find ways to stop it.

I strongly agree with this article I can’t believe that someone, anyone would take a situation like a rape and thinking of it to be such a little thing that they can call it a game and make it a game for people to play. Most games like raprlay is for adults only but just like alocohol it is still simply to easy for a under age kid to get their hands on it if they wanted. And from that lies the violent influence games like this have on such yougth and people of any age. I strongly believe that men are behinde the making of this game because although men are sometimes raped female rape is alot higher and to me I think it always will be. I truely believe that any woman would have put a stop to this game idea before it even started and if not then taht woman is a fool, when will our media grow a heart and a brain thats not in their pants or their ass?

How much further will the media go to diminish women? Actually, how much more does this government need to see in order of them to start regulating media once more? When will they admit to androcentric ruling in this society? For me such games are very disturbing. This just makes me more worried about becoming part of those women who have been assaulted. Rape shouldn’t be ‘okay’ in any place, real or ‘fake.’ Many people tend to forget that we our brains are like sponges absorbing everything we see. We don’t necessarily need to be consciously aware of an action yet our minds remember it. Having our brains work as they do rape shouldn’t be promoted in any “game.” Rape should be repeated as a negative sanction in this society in every level!

Wow, i would of never imagined that the media and video game industries would takeit this far. And all because of the money and what they thought would attract more customers for them to purchase. I really found it shocking that they they invented a game based on raping women. Not only is it unappropiate for our society but also harmful to kids growing up. Because they are being taught and influened that it is okay to rape women in our society because of what they have been taught and because of the images they consumed growing up. And eventually people in our society will snap and probably try to actually rape women. overall, i think that they should put an end to these explicit images and games out of the media because it traumatize people and can result in many tragic events.

This is horrible! I do not understand who would make this type of video game about rape. It is the most sensitive subject, and to joke about it and playing it as entertainment does not make it morally correct. Rape and dating violence is increasing and for this product to be available is terrible. It is sending the message to boys that rape and to beat women is okay. It is truly disgusting and disturbing.

It scares me to believe that any person can argue that video games are simply just that, games. Mirroring what Dr. Kline stated in her article, it’s excessively harmful to allow for children and people to play a game based solely on the premise of rape and violence against women. Perpetual viewing of any image will cause one to become desensitized to it. This image and idea will become the norm. The extraordinary (even extraordinarily negative) becomes the ordinary, and that is just the nature of overexposure to any individual. As a result, rape and violence against women become the norm as well. Not only will men who play video games like these will believe that violence against women is okay, but there are also negative consequences for women as well. Girls also play video games, and if they are exposed to a game like this as well, they will believe that violence against them is okay as well, that they are deserving of it, that it is simply “just a game.”

We are clearly influenced by the mass media video games included. It is horrifying that they first even considered as a game and second that they actually released the game so very one in the world would be able to access it. More younger kids are marketed to these video games and is sad that kids will be learning such things in such an early age. Rape is a huge problem in our society it goes hand in hand with domestic violence both still prominently happen but are still not one of the main topics talked about. And not only does this apply to video games movies, television and even politics make rape seem like nothing. For example will on the campaign trail governor Romney was questioned about his thoughts on rape and his reply went along the lines of a woman can’t get pregnant from a real rape. What type of misogynistic message is it putting out there to young girl and boys about rape.

Society is desensitized enough as it is. We see killings and violence all the time on the news, in games, and in all other types of media. But there were limits. I can not believe someone even thought up a game like this. To let people play out a sick fantasy and show that it is ‘fun’ to rape a woman. That it is only a ‘game’ when you beat her and take advantage of her. It is a sick game and should be taken down from whatever site it is on.

This is really disturbing. I’m not much of a videogamer, but my younger autistic brother is. He is very vulnerable and could be influenced by any video game he plays. I wouldn’t even allow him to play a game like that but I’m also not able to be there 24/7 and watch him while hes playing his games. How can they go so far as to have rape in a video game. Rape is such a horrible problem that occurs everyday and they are making it seem like it is okay. Of course they are probably only showing that women are being rape but men are being rape too. Rape isn’t okay in any context whether its in reality or in a fake situation. Many people are influenced by video games just like my little brother. Many people don’t know whats right or wrong either so showing that you can rape a women in a video game is provoking gamers that it is okay. How disgusting.

It makes me sad to know that people actually would take the time to create a video game which message says that it’s okay for a woman to get rape. What makes me more sad is to know that parents would buy such games to their kids and that society doesn’t do anything to stop videos like this one from coming out to the market. I feel that video games like this one is what causes many boys to grow up with that mentality that raping a girl or forcing a girl to do what she doesn’t want it’s okay. People should be realistic and understand that kids learn everything they see and they in one way or another imitate what they see. For those who believe that the video game is not that bad, they should take a minute and think if they would like any guy who is influence by these kinds of video games to rape any women of their families. I’m pretty sure that no one would ever want any women of their families to be rape. I personally don’t see how people can get pleasure out of this game, if anything they should be doing things to stop these actions that everyday make our society worst and worst. As a woman I feel offended that any person whether is a female or male would find this game pleasant.

This is a reflection of the values being taught in our society right now. This is patriarchy’s influence on sex, violence, and construction of masculinity that would cause a child to find this game entertaining. It also reflects how the increasing violence in not just porn, but all media has begun this process of cultivation. To an insecure man, he fears more the disapproval and rejection of his masculinity that he will use the female bodies as ways to prove himself. All this has been cultivate within our society through objectification, misogynistic themes, and the prevalence of violent role modeling. Technology is not to blame. It is the structures that are in place that create these flawed values within us. This game itself is an atrocity and I wonder how this generation of gamers will grow up.

People that are doing the video games don’t care about what the public have to say about them. All they care about is the money for those videos games. Now they are selling video games to kids underage. Parents do not care because they are so busy with paying the bills and not focusing on their kids. This video isn’t appropriated for anyone because things like this ends up in real life. If a kid sees this he will repeat what he sees and that will be the Medias fault because they shouldn’t have sold it to them in the first places. This also puts down a lot of women’s and makes the victims of rape feel bad for themselves.

There are no word that describe how sicken I am. I cant believe people buy this “game”, download it, even play it over and over again. I bet its mostly younge man that are playing this game. There being brain wash to think that volience towards girls is right, they grow up beating there wife, abusing woman in general. What are the network of games even thinking, its bad enough we got shooting games out that now we got raping woman and abusing them. Sorry for my language but what the fuck are they thinking. Soo sad it just kills me.

Through video games like this that portray such violent behavior towards woman being played by men, could potentially be very dangerous. The reason for this is because by men playing these kinds of aggressive and violent video games they are actually becoming more and more desensitized to the violent images they see and over time these images will start to normalize. Rape is very serious and is considered a crime, and therefore it should not be tolerated in the form of a video game, which promotes the idea of it being something acceptable.

The fact that someone would even buy or play or even create a game where you go around raping women for fun is just incredibly disappointing, careless, and in many cases not sane. I believe games are getting very carried away not caring about the messages they portray or even influence just to sell. I know that probably no time will games get any better at the features they provide but i do believe parents should watch and monitor what they buy their children and the games they are playing. For victims that have been raped i know this game cant be to appealing seeming that they feel their situation is a sense of humor of most. I believe that we have to be aware of the affects many things have on people and grow as one to improve this world from all this negativity. Raping a women is not a game, and neither should it be placed in one for people to play.

When I first started reading the article, I thought it was a joke and this game is not real. But it is. I can not believe that this type of game was released and was given an ok to even be made. It is giving young boys and young men that it is ok to harm women because a video game is allowing them to do the same. Mostly boys and men play video games and this type of game should have never even been invented or even passed by the gaming industry. As a woman, I am very shocked and I am also disturbed that such a video game is out there and that boys and men are able to play such a horrific, unethical video game for “pleasure.” It is dehumanizing women and such a video game should be taken off the shelves immediately because rape is not a game neither is any physical, emotional, or mental violence to any individual.

It is remarkable how influential even video games could be on individuals. This video game is a very dangerous and negative influence to its consumers. The video game depicts horrible images of rape and blood which area ll part of the violence in our patriarchal system. This video game is acting as a tool to normalize rape and violence. It is emphasizing the rape culture which is prevalent in our society. This ultimately results in people mimicking these rape and violence scenes. I do not see how this is just a game because the rape and violence is obviously spreading outside of just the virtual world.

At first I didn’t think that something like this could even be possible. How could someone have such a sick mind and such a disturbing mind that they would think of making a game like this? Rape is not a joke and is I feel that it is being made a joke through this game. A rape situation is a very serious thing and for it to be made a joke and a game is not just wrong, its unethical. This video game could also be dangerous as well because games have such a high influence on kids and people these days, hat if someone saw this in a game, then they could think that it is a common thing and it isn’t such a bad thing since it has because wide-spread and well known such as a video game that they will think its ok to do the same. Kids would have their minds influenced to think rape is accepted in society. It is wrong and is heading our society in the wrong direction.

I am speechless. Promoting rape is just plain wrong. This video game is not only promoting rape towards women, but also towards little girls. Since Japanese and other Asian women are portrayed to be childlike and have childlike characteristics, this video game is basically saying it’s completely acceptable to rape little girls. Even the idea of creating a game like this is unacceptable. No wonder kids these days start thinking about sex and engaging in it at earlier and earlier ages.

When i read this article I was scared and angry. Its disgusting how society thinks its ok to justify the sickest fantasies and dysfunctional behaviors justifiable by creating them virtually!We all know that eventually this all leaves the screens and becomes acceptable in the real world.

This is completely appalling and the creators of this video game need to be sued. The fact that there is a video game about raping women makes me sick to my stomach. This is not a game at all and is a very serious problem that is facing our world today. This is incredibly dangerous because it is making rape appear not only normal, but enjoyable. Video games always have a lot of influence on people’s lives and it is games like these that pose a dire threat to our world. This video games desperately needs to be ended and there has to be something done about it immediately.

The first thing I got to point out if the name of this article, “is raping women just a game” I got so offended and made me not even want to read this article. Second is who the hell would even create a game like this? I mean are women really seen as objects in the other sex’s eye? Raping someone isn’t fun and isn’t a game where you would want to win and be proud of. The creator of this is sickening to me, yes we have freedom of speech and freedom in this U.S but there comes a point where people are so ignorant and don’t realize what common sense is.

This is just utterly disgusting. Rape and violence against women is a serious issue and to dehumanize the experience into a game is to exemplify the loss of morality within society. Making such things into a game, just makes it seem like it is okay and it has become the norm, but it isn’t okay to act on violence against women, or anyone. Rape is a serious issue and making it into a game where the player not only has complete control over the scene and constantly can replay and re-watch it taking place, lights that switch that this is okay. It insults all those women who have lived through or are living through physical and emotional abuse and rape, and the affects it has scared onto their lives.

This is absolutely revolting. I was talking to my friends about this the other day, and one of them tried to defend it by saying that it “fufilled rape fantasies” and would prevent rape from actually occurring. I could not disagree with her more. Games like “Rapelay” make women into objects, and men into monsters. With game graphics becoming even more “realistic” overtime, and the violence in video games steadily growing, it is no shock that violence in our society is increasing.
Also in my conversation with my friend, she mentioned that it was interesting that Westerners saw this as offensive, while torture and killing in our media was not as criticized. It is my personal belief that both types of violence need to be censored in every society.

It is seriously depressing to see how truly desensitized our society is, especially in terms of how we see rape. The very fact that a “game” like this was created goes to show how normalized violence against women has become and also how it is encouraged- even seen as a sport. The perpetuation of such images only contributes to the idea of domination that comes with patriarchy. There is no recognition given to the victim and the process one must go through after. As always, the attention goes to the perpetrator of such horrible acts and most of the time is put forth so that we could empathize with them (which we saw in the Steubenville case).

The real focus should be put towards teaching men and boys not to participate in such behaviors. To teach them that they need to respect women and that rape is unacceptable. Instead this teaches them that it’s like a game- one that you need to win so that you can exert power. It only maintains patriarchal thinking rather than challenging and changing it so that women won’t live in fear. There is already very little being done in terms of convicting rapists and assaulter- this doesn’t help.

This video game is absolutely horrifying. Rape has been occurring since as long as anyone can remember and has ruined and taken lives. It is not a subject that should be joked about- let alone virtualized over a video game. Rape is a traumatic and life-changing experience for women and this video game is promoting it as if women deserve to be raped. It is just disgusting. I cannot emphasize enough how rape is not a joke and the fact that there is a game out there allowing people to virtually rape a girl is sickening. Only a fraction of rape cases are reported and with this game out, women are less likely to report rape because it is now looked at as a joke and not a traumatic experience. The generations to come are going to be the most violent and sexual yet because of these video games and the ways that pornography are teaching young people that women are objects and under men’s control. This game demeans and degrades women in probably the worst way I can possibly think of. Rape traumatizes people’s lives and to think that people would play a video game raping a girl just to get a level further makes me sick to my stomach. This game reinforces our patriarchal society and encourages men to believe that women’s bodies are their property.

It is truly disgusting to see the production of a video game based on raping female victims. I find it utterly sick and unjust to see the production of a video game based on abuse. I completely agree with the fact that by allowing video games like these to be sold, will create a norm in which it may be seen as acceptable and typical for women to be raped. It is clear that the media has a huge influence on young children. Creating a video game with a goal of raping a woman will influence young boys to view rape as acceptable. The creators of these video games clearly do not care about the consequences. These types of video games are not appropriate for anyone due to the fact that these videogames can turn into realities. Children are likely to repeat what they see; therefore, playing these video games will only increase the likelihood of influencing their lives as they grow up for the worse. Moreover, I find it extremely sad that people would create these horrendous video games, consciously knowing that they are influencing others who watch or play these games.

I grew up playing the Grand Theft Auto game. I must admit there is a lot of violence and blood. My parents felt that the game affected my behavior, since I was more aggressive towards them. Based on my personal experience with this game, I feel that RapeLay is completely outrageous and can have harmful consequences. I strongly believe that video games need to start being more educational. These types of games need to be controlled by the government. In other words, the government should monitor what games are acceptable and which games must be banned. I think that people who play these types of games are more likely to abuse people close to them, then people who refrain from playing.

This game is incredibly disturbing. I don’t understand how anyone would think that raping women would be a good idea for a game. It’s absolutely disgusting. It is infuriating to know that there is a group of videogame makers that are making light of rape and actually encouraging it. How can this not lead to more violence against women? Don’t they understand how serious an issue rape is? Why on earth would anyone do this? It’s despicable.

From reading the very first sentence of this article, I was genuinely disgusted. I could not believe that there is someone out there that thought it was ok to create a “game” where players can virtually rape and abuse women. It may not be reality, but the message that this game is sending is wrong and degrading. Who knows? Maybe a player of the game becomes so into it that his actions in the game can carry into reality, creating more rapists. I am also shocked that the government has continued to allow this game to be played by the public. Many children play these video games and by playing such a disturbing game can lead them to be more agressive and to believe that raping women is ok and possibly acceptable since many people are doing it online.

I am appalled by the amount of violence towards women, is tolerated and encouraged in our society. If young boys and society are continuously exposed to these aggressive actions and images, they become desensitized to the effects of rape and find it normative. They will also start to believe that they have power and authority over women, therefore raping women, or abusing women is not wrong because they are inferior to men. If the media, and video games continue to portray these images, it will only continue to validate and increase violence. It frightens me to think that rape is becoming normal and in the eyes of many “ok”. This is not only dehumanizing and devaluing women, it is portraying them as objects of male pleasure, and nothing more.

Are you kidding me??? I honestly cannot believe that this is REAL! How can a person even come up with this? Grand Theft Auto was terrible, but this is beyond disgusting. Rape is not a game, and it is SO TRUE how you mention that we have become desensitized to vioolence in general. We see it everywhere; movies, tv, even in books. I honestly feel that even a real dead human body won’t upset people as much as it should because of how accustomed we are to seeing dead bodies in video games and movies. But RAPE? I have never heard of something more dissappointing. I can only imagine how those kids who are exposed to this “game” will turn out to be. Rape is something so serious that people don’t speak openly enough about it because of victim-blaming. If we continously watch rape scenes or view rape-themed advertisements, and especially play RAPE GAMES, then we will only grow more and more desensitive to this inhumane act and it will be even more overlooked than it already is. I can’t believe this game even stood 3 years in the market. I am furious, and I hope that women can work together to put an end to this movie, media, and videogame violence once and for all.

I am absolutely shocked that a game like this was actually made. just thinking about the fact that someone or someones had to think up the idea, and then keep actively thinking about it while creating it is just absolutely disgusting. A game like this, especially in the hands of a child, could literally damage them and desensitize them where even if they don’t commit rape, if someone they know does, they will just pass it off like it’s nothing. I’m also surprised that it took three years before the western media picked up on this, and the fact it wasn’t more front and center. There should also be follow-ups to this from major news networks, but I wouldn’t doubt there hasn’t been. There really needs to be better education around the world about violence against women from a young age so that people truly understand how much of an issue it is and how horrible it is.

This is not OK. What makes video gamers think this is fun? As a woman, it is beyond disrespectful. Do video gamers not know that there is such thing as porn? I mean come on, if women or men wanted to masturbate over a game, that is just pathetic. But everyone has their own ways.

I’m just saying that having these sorts of games are not morale in our country. And who knows who are playing these games. How do we not know if a ten year old boy is not playing this game? What will this game lead to? This can lead to more rapes than the world already has, that is if it hasn’t happened already.

I can’t help but say how stupid the girl in the video sounds! FANTASY? Raping women is a fantasy!!! What on earth is that girl thinking. Is she not a women? Rape is not a joke. Rape is nothing to laugh about. Rape should absolutely not be allowed. It sick that a game like RapeLay was even created. As if making video games with violence wasn’t bad enough. Games like RapeLay can influence men and kids in negatives ways. Raping scenes in games will affect kids in numerous of ways ,such as, thinking that forcing women to participate in sexual activities is allowed. Rape is not a game. Women are constantly abused, rape, and mistreated by men. Games like RapeLay increases the chances of continuing such behavior. Sexist and misogynist people are responsible for the creation of such games. Creator of these games need to stop and think about the women in their lives and how they can also be victims of rape. RAPE IS NOT A JOKE. WOMEN NEED TO BE RESPECTED.

It is astonishing to see how media has become so powerful but in a terrifying way. More often than before, all sorts of media play a very influential role in the young community. Most of us usually laugh at or at least reject the idea that video games influence kids in the way they act and think. We ignore the oppressing messages that video games such as Grand Theft Auto or Rapelay send. And although a kid most likely wont go out shooting or rapping after playing a violent, shooting game, we forget to see how video games like these act as an advocate for patriarchy and sexism, and work to diminish the efforts and challenges brought up by the feminist movements. We need a stop to this because as long as mass media’s influence keeps increasing, it will be a great determinant on the way males and females will act and behave with one another in future generations. If we continue to allow this harassment and oppression in video games, we will see an ongoing society influenced with patriarchal thought and sexism.

I think for someone to even think of this idea of a rape video game is ridiculous. Rape should never be looked at as a game because it actually happens to people. And young men along with a hand full of young girls that play video games so much will probably soon start to believe that, that is normal behavior and it is okay to rape someone and for the female not to notice rape when she sees it. I admit I am sick to my stomach reading this article because it is real and people actually play it. Our society is so screwed up and it does not seem to be getting any better with time. Yes, we live in a sexist and patriarchal society, but this is NOT okay and NEVER will be. And video games are mostly aimed towards young boys who are still learning and absorbing different behaviors, and this is teaching them all th wrong things!

After reading and watching this video it really did make me upset that the girl said, “i think it’s okay for people to make games like this.” It made me sick to my stomach. I use to play Grand Theft Auto as a child and that game has a lot of violnece in it. And it also has a strip club in the game. I honestly think that the government should band video games like this. The way they have women dressed in these games are disgusting. They make the women look sexy with big breast and short tight clothing. I don’t think that it’s right for people to make these types of games!!

I can’t believe that anyone would think that making a video game where you rape a girl is okay in any way. A lot of young children play video games and if they were to ever come across this one, they might think that it is okay for them to do the same thing to women in real life. We already have issues with video gamers who play violent shooting games coming out in real life and shooting places up. We don’t need more people out in the streets trying to bring their video games to life with rape games.

First, Rapelay is an offensive in the name and to other people who have ever been raped. I read more about this game on wikipedia. It said you play as a a male who rapes women. With your control, this game character can grope and undress women thus raping them. You can also choose sexual positions. How can this be a video game? People who have/would play this video game are exposed to rape, sex, and being aggressive. Video games also have a large audience. The youth are part of that audience. They are being exposed to rape, sex, and being aggressive. This video also shows young boys, that males are the ones do the raping, that it is not women. Women are the victims. The game character’s aggression towards women also shows a form of domestic violence. This is showing males and females who have played this game, that rape is okay, rape is being normalized. Having sex and being forced/aggressive is being normalized. Why would this ever be a good idea for a video game? It perpetuated domestic violence (the aggression) and that rape is fine and not a big deal. This kind of stuff really has to end!

It is absolutely ridiculous that such a thing was set out into the public. This is one of the most disturbing things I have ever encountered in my entire life. Not only is it bad enough that a group of programers created a “game” to rape a woman, there was an audience that was interested in participating in such a sick game. Has the patriarchal dominated society that we are currently living in gotten out of control? Rape being made okay and re-enacted through the title of a “game” makes it okay. The last thing rape is, is a joke. The creators of the game must have been harassed or abused as adolescents because I can not think of one situation or culture that rape would be acceptable in. From the perception of a heterosexual male, even the concept of such a game is terrifying to me. It is not fun or entertaining to virtually rape a woman. I can’t imagine what effect this would take on children and teens who would get a hold of this virtual violence. Not only is the issue that the game was created, the audience which plays the game and believes that it is acceptable is dangerous. It will twist and alter the minds of our future. Rape is NOT NORMAL and not acceptable. Domestic violence and rape has to end. Grand Theft Auto was bad enough, but this has gone way out of hand. I don’t know if the creators had a business motivation or just plain sick. Hopefully these inappropriate actions and behaviors are put to an end once and for all.

It’s a shame that someone would even make a video games about raping girls. I think that is the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard of and it makes me mad to see someone that something so serious as a joke and make it as a video game. By making a rape video game it would probably brain wash the kids that are playing the game to think its okay to rape girls in real life and that is not okay at all!

I think it’s truly horrendous that a video game mimicking rape would be allowed to be distributed, bought and played. Although some may call it just a “game,” it is not. It is a pure example of how society is contributing to the rampant rise of sexual violence. By allowing this game, society is basically telling everybody that rape isn’t so serious and that you can even try it out in a game. It psychologically messes with peoples heads because it plants the idea that rape isn’t so bad and that it’s in some ways playful and harmless. I think it’s extremely toxic to our society and I also think it’s extremely insensitive and painful for anybody who experienced sexual assault of any form. It’s once again telling the victims they don’t matter–that their assault isn’t so serious. It’s absolutely disgusting. This kind of game promotes violence, aggression, desensitization, and focus on the wrong things. What should be brought to the forefront is how rape can be prevented and how all the blame and focus should be taken off of the victims.

Why would anyone in this entire world come up with a game that rapes girls. The media takes it as a harmless clean game for men. I mean this a male dominant society already playing a huge role in violating women’s rights. So why come up with a game about it. I believe whoever came up with this idea may have faced a terrible tragedy in their life and had to face violence, abuse, mentally or physical abuse, rape, sexual assault, something that portrayed this person to create a game like this.The generations in the future are going to be exposed to violence and sex really quickly and sadly they are the ones who will violent and be sexual abusers because of these video games. For example, pornography is educating young people that women are objects and under men’s control.This raping game supports the patriarchal society for men to believe that women’s bodies are their property and they have the power and control over it.

I knew about this game when it was released. Because it was such an issue at that time. But my thought was like “Oh god I wonder what kinda freak will play this game?”. But I didn’t really take it seriously. But now that I am feminist and learned about how this things are built in our society, I know this is very bad and we should not allow them to make those kind of game anymore.

The fact that RapeLay exists, sadly, does not surprise me whatsoever. Disturbing as it may be to know of its development and distribution, it is moreso to understand that entertainment, in all its forms, is a RESPONSE to a public’s demand for it. The fact that a market exists for this sort of gaming is not shocking considering the cultural climate of salient violent imagery, sexual exploitation, and the unabashed normalcy of these acts against women that infiltrates our media. And although I can understand Raquel’s point of view, I do not do so in that it justifies the existence of RapeLay, but in that it only makes the VIOLENT video games to which she speaks of that much more repugnant and questionable to me.

It is so upsetting to me that something like this exists. But somehow I am not surprised. We do live in a rape culture, and rape occurs all the time in our society. To some men, rape is simply just a game. Out culture has desensitized men to rape making some men believe that it is okay to rape women. This is not just a game, rape is a serious problem in our society and it saddens and disgusts me to know that someone would create this game. It is even more disgusting to realize that there is some audience out there who would be interested in playing this game.

I do not know where to begin when i mention this issue with friends i mean seriously a game where you can go out and rape women repeatedly like in what way is that a good idea. What may be ok in Japan would definitely never fly out here i cannot believe a company would actually oversee the production of this game. Oh and the comment further down where the author discusses how the developers decide to tone it down, how do you tone down rape it is a vicious crime that cant be toned down no matter what you show it as. A game like this should never be allowed just because of how detrimental its subject matter could be to all who play it.

Games are becoming prevalent in our society today, thus a rape game is not surprising to me especially in the internet. There are so many horrifying things that can be found and its particularly upsetting since young kids can easily access these materials. The society already are desensitized to the violence against women and it does not help that kids can easily find the most twisted fantasy on the internet. If not this game, it could be an image, or a story, or a video. And the fact they can find these, they cant distinguish what is right or wrong since their brain is so use to seeing seeing this kind of stuff in the internet that they become accustomed and may increase their desire to “act it out”. So sad that something like the internet, used to spread our knowledge and to seek out knowledge can also spread something as horrifying. If not this rape game, Im sure there will be another if not a hundreds more.

By allowing someone to rape a woman in this video game you desensitize that person and diminish the consequences. When looking at the rape victim in the game you can see that the designer over sexualizes the character. It’s disturbing that the game allows a person to rape and live out a sexual fantasy. This game perpetuates a view of sexuality being male dominated and glorifies violence against women.

I am shocked beyond belief that anyone in their right mind, regardless of where in the world they are, would create such a repulsive game. As the article states, rape is NEVER a “game” under no circumstances. This just contributes further to a society that blames women for getting raped rather than the men who commit the act. When people play this video game they subsequently believe that violence against women is normal and not wrong, which is just outrageous. Children make up a huge part of video game consumers and the idea that they could possibly get their hands on such a game terrifies me. Our youth is very impressionable and a lot of what they learn comes from the media, namely video games. Rape is no joking matter and definitely not something to play around with. It’s time to educate everyone that violence against anyone is never okay in order to strive towards a society that successfully obliterates video games with any trace of violence.

As an active video gamer (or even a decent human being), this is absolutely reprehensible and filthy. Although this is an extreme example of misogyny in video games, we must pay attention to the widely received misogyny that permeates all video games. Anita Sarkeesian puts it into very specific terms with her Tropes vs. Woman in video games so games like this are ultimately forgettable but highlight very important attitudes. I’d argue that most men would not condone this game but would share certain attitudes that the game purports. There is an increasing level of dating violence in youth and games are only administering it further. I wish people would see video games as something very powerful but crap like this comes out and furthers the idea that its for kids. Sadly, with the rampant immaturity they may be right but the fact still stands: more and more people are playing video games and like Rachel, this frightens me.

WOWW. It is so sad how our society is being demoralized day by day, up to a point like this where raping is seen as perfectly okay. That is insane. As I was introduced of the term rape, I was probably in about 6th or 7th grade, I couldn’t even fathom how disgusting the idea was. To see now that it’s basically something that is perfectly normal happen in a video game. This is a very male dominated game, of course, it’s not like we see girls raping guys for entertainment. And thats the sad truth.

I find it disgusting that there is truly a rape game that has been released in our society. It is horrifying that people who are behind our media actually have the audacity to come up with such terrible fantasies. I think that this is a result of how our culture has influenced people to think it is fine to release a game where you can rape people. The media that is presented before us has many forms of telling us that it is fine to treat women with such disrespect. I want to focus upon the influence of rap music and how that has played a role in increasing violence towards women. The lyrics that come up in this category of music has all kinds of hateful and nasty words towards women. This allows the idea to treat women badly is fine within our culture and allows us to accept these terrible video games from being released. I have personally played Grand Theft Auto and I have seen how they can treat women in the game. The most recent version, you are able to go to a strip club and get a lap dance from a girl. Many people don’t realize the affect it is having because our media hasn’t put a restriction on disrespecting women in music and throughout our media.

WHAT?! I am beyond shocked. Imagine if someone who has been raped and comes into contact with the existence of this game. Imagine the trauma and continuous mental abuse he or she may go through… How can this be a “game” for someone while its emotionally killing someone else? This is definitely a result of the society we live in, the television we watch and the music we listen to. Although this is just a virtual game, there are plenty of sickos out there who correlate this game with real life, and will use this as a tool to make rape seem “okay” when it most definitely is not!

It is honestly sad to see what the world has come to. Creating a video game based on rape is sad. Making rape a game just makes it seem like a joke rather than a serious issue that is illegal. I do not see how this can be looked at as entertainment. Justifying a game like this and creating it just shows how desensitized we are as a society. I really am speechless. Having a game like this justifies the act and makes people think that it is ok to do, which in turn can increase the amount of violence that is occurring. The message being sent out by creating this kind of game just shows the direction that our society is going towards. Games about theft and killing people are becoming more and more prominent and video game designers don’t care as long as they are getting money. This game promotes our societies ignorance by creating such a disrespectful game.

This is truly sad and upsetting. To know that the world has come to such a place and that our country allows such a thing. This is disgusting and wrong in so many ways. I have never been a fan of video games or enjoyed playing them but I have a younger brother that does. My brother is 4 years younger than me and I have recently noticed how these games have a great impact on his temper, mood and actions. As siblings, we argue here and there of course, but there have been a few times that he has thought it was okay to hit me. People that play video games like this are influenced by the images that they see and think that it is okay to do this in real life. Women are being taken advantage of and this is not okay, whatsoever.

Abuse, let alone rape seem to be the most traumatic thing a female can endure in modern day society. The physical trauma may only last a couple hours or days, but I feel as if the mental trauma stays with the victim until they die. To me, this is the opposite of a so-called game. Through the media, rape and abuse to women has seemed to become acceptable, however in real-life, rape is second to death. Using these tools to justify rape is unacceptable and I feel as if the convicted rapists should endure much harsher punishment and more jail-time, and maybe we will see a decrease in rapes all over the news.

The main problem with this video game is that it completely ignores the realities of the world and makes them seem like a joke. The message this game sends to its players is that women should not be respected. The effect of video games on teens and children is underestimated. I think it is ridiculous that a game like this can even be marketed. Playing a video game that involved rape is not normal at all and I do not even know how someone could buy this game or why someone decided to make it. Video games are made for enjoyment, and if the players of this game are enjoying this type of behavior then certainly this game is promoting rape. They are taking a serious and traumatic issue and making it just a game. If only more people were educated about about the effects of video games and media then something like this would never be approved.

I have to agree that this even existing is more than sickening. There is no reason that this should be on the market, yet people play this for pleasure. There is nothing entertaining about rape at all. In fact it is a disgusting, unforgivable action that should not ever be joked about. There is no room for this in a society that sees enough violence and degradation on a daily basis. Im not sure who would find this game to be enjoyable. I have a hard time understanding the logic behind it. If a culture finds rape entertaining, there is a serious issue with what values our society is teaching. Rape is the ultimate violation of a woman’s privacy. It causes irreversible emotional damage, destroys self-esteem, and completely violates every essence of herself. The fact that is viewed as a game is shameful, and I feel as though it will only progress.

The news of this game sickens me to my core. How is it acceptable for this sort of “game” to exist and persist within a society? Magazines and television are already two forms of media that diminish the roles of women in society. Now, with the advent of RapeLay, women will be downgraded to the pits of society. Not only should women be subservient to men, but they should be ready to gratify men, sexually, at any time? It scares me to think that people are probably playing this “game” right now. With time, these game players may come to believe that raping a girl on the street is no different than raping a girl in a virtual game. Wake up, world! Believe it or not, women are people, too. They have lives, emotions, and potential that surpasses the ability to lay prone on the ground. In fact, they have the potential to bring games like this down. I hope to see that day that they do. Only time will tell how long it will take for the world to see this injustice to womankind, and put an end to RapeLay.

It is absolutely insane to me that this video game is essentially calling rape a game as Melanie mentions at the beginning of this article. Violence against women is seen as something funny and comical to joke about, yet women and girls have been raped literally to death and this is something to glorify? The normalization of this violence shows just how dangerous patriarchy came make living as a woman be.
Living in a western society is also easy to forget living as a woman in the United States provides us so many unearned opportunities and privileges because our laws work to protect women more compared to Bangkok, Thailand and Faridpur, Bangladesh where most women do not have options for work other than prostitution. Commodifying women’s bodies is a global issue but for women in situations where their only option for work is being forced sex slaves where prostitution is legal and the misogyny is so severe that women’s only option in attempting to live self-sufficient lives is by selling their bodies…something must be done. I dream about when this worldwide liberation will be felt for all women who no long have to fear whether their clothes will make them a target to be raped and then whether they will be blamed for that violent act waged on them for no reason.

How could people possibly play a game that glorifies rape? That makes absolutely no sense to me. Many people around the world have been victims of a rape and their lives have been ruined due to these rapes yet people would still play a game that’s about raping women and have fun while doing so. This game just makes men think that raping women is a joke and should be taken lightly because it is something that they do all the time on their video game console. The game also probably teaches men better ways to rape women because it makes them use different strategies to get a hold of these women and make them victims of rape. That is not fair The makers of this game are condoning a very despicable act and the creators of this game deserve to be punished very severely. Reading about this game has actually made my mood much worse but I am glad to have been informed about this.

Knowing that a video-game with the intent of allowing its player to commit rapes and assaults on women exists, is completely outrageous, and definitely goes beyond any demoralizing and atrocious thing I have ever seen. It may not be real life, but it could definitely be the catalyst that transmits such behaviors and actions to real life. A video-game is meant to be played out of admiration and nothing else. A person who is into playing such a game, could very well be seen as a person who enjoys its features and attributes. And a person could just about only view and link rape and assaulting women to “entertainment and pleasure” if some means of media or personal-experience exposed it in a positive light. The only possible sources that are capable of stressing out that raping and assaulting is cool are video-games or living with psychopaths or adult men who raped, assaulted, and participated domestic violence. And these sources are very well existent today because the whole of our society is man-made, man-powered, and man-controlled. The creators of this video-game, which are obviously a group of men, are willing to look past their mothers. sisters, and wives, just to make some profit and gain power.
Ultimately, this has to only be recognized as totally wrong and utter demoralization, and we as respected, moral, equal-seeking beings of society should not accept such behaviors and their sources, and we must only strive to have such video-games and other applications that resemble it perish from our world.

I am absolutely shocked by the large amount of rape and violence towards females. The crazy thing is that this is allowed in our society. When young boys are reveal toughness and violent, they think that they should do it because that’s what makes them real men. By seeing that they automatically believe that they have power towards all women. For that reason rapping a women is okay because, that’s what real men do. However, today in class we watched “Tough Guis 2” and it showed us how video games, and movies have such a big impact on males, and being violent its okay thing to do. It truly scares me that rape is becoming normal to many people. This thus shows us that women are being seen as objects and that is fine.

Video games are extremely influential and can cause people to do the actions that they see in video games in real life. It is terrifying to know that these games are actually sold and people are playing them. The fact that the game makes it seem that raping women is a game, is horrifying. There have been instances where teenagers would mimic Grand Theft Auto’s violent aspect, where they would go buy guns and actually kill people in real life. Who is to say that this game doesn’t influence people of all ages to go and rape someone, especially since raping is not seen as bad as murdering someone. This is partially the fault of our government, where free speech and action is glorified, but we should as a nation censor games that promote rape, murder, pornography, stealing and other horrendous actions. And if people who play these games enjoy them, they will see rape, murder, stealing as a normal thing in their lives and it is part of their life. Such actions should be censored because people will repetitively play games and as a result, people will perform these actions or see them as normal. The media is everywhere, and the only thought they have in their mind is to make money. Rape is not something to joke about. The people who create these games and who play it probably don’t know what it feels like to be raped or don’t have family members who have been raped, otherwise, they would not be playing this game.

It is ridiculous that there would be such a game out there that allows you to rape women. It is terrible that this game is out there and young kids are able to play it. This game contributes to violence against women and helps desensitize and make it normative to kids that rape and violence against women is okay. Rape and violence against women should not be seen as a game everyday girls and women are losing their lives due to this issue. Also the fact that they give different strategies of how to initiate the assault isn’t a good idea to give to the youth because it can cause the violence to perpetuate. The objectification of women in our society gives the idea that violence against women and rape is okay and can be made a game. It disgusts me that there is such a game and whoever had the idea to come up with such a game.

The videogame, Rapelay, most definitely isn’t just a game; the idea that rape is acceptable enough to be a game is being ingrained into people’s head and viewed as something okay. Rape culture encourages that violence against women is something sexy and it’s supported. This game, which paints men as animalistic, justifies reasons for why men can get off the hook and get the excuse “boys will be boys”. However, that excuse is utter bullshit to me. There is no biological justification that says men are SUPPOSED to be violent and aggressive rapists. In my women studies class, we watched a movie called “Killing Us Softly 4,” where Jean Kilbourne teaches us how media subconsciously is affecting our society. This shows even more so that this rape game isn’t JUST a game, it is a reality and it is unfortunately slipped under the rug as something normal. A women is supposed to fear walking alone in this society, she’s supposed to worry about getting something slipped into her drink, she’s supposed to use the “I have a boyfriend” excuse because no other excuse is good enough to get the harasser away. Our society is one that men use their violence and physical strength to show that they have power over a women. This videogame encourages this reality to come more into play in real life; This misogyny is absolutely disgusting and takes “male entitlement” to a nauseating new level.

Rape is something that is happening at any given moment of every day, and you just don’t even know it. It is so common, especially in colleges and women are the ones being raped be men and don’t even report it. Rape is the crime that most people are afraid of. It is most common by strangers and one is more likely to be raped by someone they know. Because of rape, it is said that women need to be monitored and that they are less likely to go out at night. Rape is about power, not about the sex that the rapist is about to receive. According to the Tough Guise 2 film we watched in class, shooters even get the idea in their head of being violent through video games that are violent.

This is the first time I hear about it but even though I know that we are consistently seeing such images this is still a bit shocking to me. My boyfriend is a gamer and due to that I do see the content of each video game and there is always violence one way or another. There will be scenes in certain video games in which there is a sexual encounter but even then it seems to be consensual. To me the most brutal scenes are the ones in which there is a lot of blood and the ways of killing is gruesome. But never did I image that there could be such thing that enables for such disgusting and just plain disturbing behaviors. I already don’t agree with the message sent to many younger generations through the games of killing and violence not only against other men but against innocent people. But to create a video game that focuses on the physical/sexual abuse against women is also focusing on the fact that men are labeled as being incapable of controlling themselves. And as mentioned in my women studies class, that is also disrespectful to men, because they are portrayed as vicious beasts. And yet no one bothers to stop this let alone bring it into view, they just base it on the fact that it’s disrespectful towards rape victims( and yes it is) but it also makes men victim of themselves.

After reading this article I was very disturbed. I recall seeing violence against women increasing in media, but I was unaware that it was happening via video games as well. I can agree with the author that this can be of great threat to everyone especially our younger generations. The more exposed they are to such violent crimes against women like rape the more sensitized we will get. I find it shocking that in this 21 century such video games like Call of Duty where the violence is at its greatest peak and the objectification of women is seen all though the game is still put it in the mass market. I frankly am not sure if the game creators are thinking far out ahead and realizing what they are doing to our youth by delivering these negative messages to them. As a older sister to a 5 and 8 year old boys, I constantly find myself trying to get them away from videogames like these but with the increase in ad spending it ha seen difficult. I remember when the newest Call of Duty came out, with out even realizing my two little brother began saving up to buy such game. They became so intrigued with this game after hearing their friends talk about it and seeing ads in the massive billboards. The horrible 6-10 year olds are beginning to play games like Call of Duty. It frightening to think into the future and just imagine how this exposer to violent videogames will effect today’s youth once they get into personal relationships when they are older. Video games with out a doubt need to get regulate way more and there has to a new method to approaching taking the violence out of these aggrieve video games.

I am in absolute disgust and shock with this article. I cannot even wrap my head around the fact that this is even a real thing, and that there are people out there who think that rape, and violence against women is anything but utterly disgusting. It’s really frightening as a woman, to know that there are people in this world who think sexually assaulting women is a “game”. No one has the right to your body, except yourself. My mother was a victim of rape and sexual abuse, and although she didn’t let it break her, she was very deeply affected by it. She has major trust issues with men, and the memories will haunt her forever. This is no game! This is ruining people’s lives. It takes a sick person to take control of someone else’s body when they weren’t given permission to. There are great men out there, and it’s so insulting for men to be seen as animals. Not all of them rape and hurt women. There are men out there who love and respect women, so there’s no excuse to practice this violence. We are humans, and we can control ourselves.

This idea that someone that can create a video game to just violently rape woman is just disturbing and frightening. It creates a bag image for our present and future generations, making them think that it’s ok to just sexually assault a womam without any consequences. In class, watched a film called Tough Guise 2 where it explained how just normal violent video games such as Grand Theft Auto, Hitman, and plenty others correlated to the violence it has caused on our society. Now just imagine a video game with its only purpose is to rape woman as much as you can. This will not bode well for our society as we can and will see an increase in cases of sexual assault in our society. This has a ripple effect as well on our society. We see day in and day out cases where women are being are being raped and sexually assaulted numerous times, and sometimes these reports don’t even get reported to the media. Plus, at the end of the day, the woman usually gets blamed for being raped because they were either drinking, dressing too “slutty”,and numerous and bogus examples. The idea of raping other women has become so common in our society that it’s becoming like a fast spreading disease, and people in our society don’t realize the after effects that it can bring upon the victim. Creating a video game that supports this concept is not a right step forward.

I feel sick to my stomach after reading this. How could this be approved? How could anyone even come up with such a disturbing idea for a video game? How vicious can some people be that they are taking disrespecting women to a video game? I just can’t believe it. A videogame about raping girls, when the main target audience for video games are kids, especially boys. It is as if people crave to see violence in the world. Already as it is we have unnecessary shootings occur and I am sure majority of them are influenced by violent video games. We do not need rape to be occurring out in the streets because a video game has allowed it. Its disgusting to see how media has become so terrifying and it is only getting worse.

Equating rape to something as trivial as a game is unacceptable. Portraying rape in media platforms such as video games not only trivializes rape, but also normalizes and glorifies it. It becomes a commonplace thing, beginning with children at a young age who play the game. Children with this mentality will grow up without understanding the severity of rape and then this very serious issue cannot be issue. The consequences of rape in video games are unacceptabe and will undo all the progress made in drawing attention to the severity of rape and the horrors victims experience. Furthermore, and most disturbingly, video games involving rape reinforce ideas of violence and power to those behind the controller. It is horrifying to believe that someone who sees these disturbing images in video games will consider reenacting them in reality.

It’s truly sad to see that rape is taken so lightly to the point where it is incorporated in our video games. This is absurd because kids, even adults, who play this game are influenced to carry out such acts as if it’s a normal everyday thing to do. The fact this is even allowed to be sold in stores tells us that it is deemed “ok” for kids to carry out violent actions on video games. What big market video game companies do not know is that it desensitizes people, mainly kids, from a young age telling them it is okay to rape women. I think we have so much of our attention focused on the media, make-up, and other such things that have to do with women studies that we are neglecting a very important part. If we stop violence towards women in video games that are distributed to children at a young age then we might see an improvement in the efforts of stop violence against women.

I think it’s absolutely ridiculous that Japan’s culture is so accepting and OK with rape, that they made a video game out of it. It’s sad how lightly they take the subject and how badly that can affect younger people/people in general that are exposed to the game.